Sociology Theories & Key Thinkers: Structural-Functional, Conflict, Symbolic Interactionism

Structural-Functional Theory

Society is a structure of interrelated parts that meet the needs of those who live in it.

Conflict Theory (Karl Marx)

Human misery comes from class conflict and exploitation of workers by those who own the means of production.

Symbolic Interactionism

People give meaning to things based on interactions with others and society (micro-level).

Sociological Imagination (C. Wright Mills)

Understanding individual experiences in relation to history and social structures.

Functionalists

See society as a whole unit made up of interrelated parts that work together.

Émile Durkheim

Researched suicide and social integration.

Weber - Verstehen

"To understand in a deep way"; looking at things from another's perspective.

Power Elite (Mills)

Political leaders, corporate CEOs, and military leaders.

Proletariat (Marx)

Exploited workers who do not own the means of production.

Macro-level analysis

Large-scale social processes (e.g., politics, social media).

Micro-level analysis

Small-scale, individual interactions (e.g., video games and relationships).