[SOTCL] Conflict Theory (Topic 3) & Understanding Urban Life (Topic 4)

Conflict Theory

Society is divided into groups with conflicting interests.

Ruling and the Working Class

Groups with conflicting interests

Karl Marx

Conflict Theory is pioneered by ________________

F - maintained through domination rather than consensus

T/F. Conflict Theory asserts that social order is maintained through consensus rather than domination

Social Change

Occurs in a disorderly fashion as subordinate groups overthrow dominant groups

Conflict

A driving force for social change. It Arises when individuals or groups oppose each other to achieve conflicting goals.

Consensus

A general agreement where social stability and cooperation are maintained through common norms and rules.

T

T/F. Society could not exist without both conflict and consensus. A situation cannot be considered a conflict when there is no contact between both parties, as there is no basis for conflict

T

T/F. Social structures and institutions are designed to benefit the powerful while disadvantaging others.

F - Society is a breeding ground for competition

T/F. Society is a breeding ground for limited resources, status, and survival over competition

T

Individuals will strive to maximize their wealth and power within society. This competition over resources and dominance will eventually lead to conflict and inequality.

1. Theory of Self (George Herbert Mead)
2. Front and Back Stage (Erving Goffman)

Theories under "The Self and Social Interaction"

1. Urban Theory Streets as Public Spaces (Jane Jacob)
2. Space as a Social Product (Henri Lefebvre)

Theories under "Urban Spaces and Public Behavior"

Theory of the Self

The idea that our identities help us understand ourselves in relation to the world in which we live, and that the self is made up of self-esteem and identity.

George Herbert Mead

The Theory of the Self is primarily attributed to _______________

T

T/F: The "I" is unpredictable, unstructured, and impulsive

A

Represents the spontaneous, active, and creative part of the self.

A) The "I"
B) The "Me"

B

Represents the socialized aspect of the self, internalizing societal norms, expectations, and rules.

A) The "I"
B) The "Me"

A

It operates in the present moment, expressing immediate responses that are not fully shaped by societal rules.

A) The "I"
B) The "Me"

A

It reflects our desires, innovations, and the unique ways we respond to situations.

A) The "I"
B) The "Me"

F - constantly interact

T/F. The "I" does not constantly interact with the "Me."

T

T/F. The "Me" reflects past experiences and learned social norms, while the "I" is our response to the present moment and new situations.

Symbolic Interactionism

• Explains that our identity (the self) is shaped by our interactions with others. These interactions are where we learn and reinforce social norms, roles, and expectations.
• We do not simply react to the world around us; we actively interpret it.
• Meaning is created through communication and symbols, which evolve through our interactions with others.

Front Stage

• The persona we project on social media (aligns with the "me" in Mead's theory)
• The public stage where we perform our social roles.
• Where we consciously manage our behavior
• We follow established norms, behave politely, and project a certain image

Back Stage

• The private stage where individuals can drop the act and be their true selves.
• Where we can express our true thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

Erving Goffman

He introduces the idea of "front stage" and "back stage", and "Impression Management"

Impression Management

The strategies we use to control how others perceive us on the front stage.

C

You carefully control your body language, tone of your voice, and choice of words to appear competent, confident, and reliable.

A) Front Stage
B) Back Stage
C) Impression Management

Urban Theory (Streets as Public Spaces)

What theory emphasizes that cities are complex ecosystems, and healthy cities thrive when public spaces are safe and vibrant with human activity

Jane Jacobs

Who emphasized Urban Theory (Streets as Public Spaces) and critiqued top-down approaches to urban planning

bottom-up planning

Jane Jacobs advocated for a _________________ designing cities based on how people use spaces rather than imposing rigid, idealized models.

Henri Lefebvre (Concept of Space)

Theorized that space is not just physical but a social construct (perceived, conceived, and lived).

A

Space attracts life and safety.

A) Jane Jacobs
B) Henri Lefebvre

B

This space was produced to serve specific social classes, excluding others.

A) Jane Jacobs
B) Henri Lefebvre

A

Who focused on practical urban solutions?

A) Jane Jacobs
B) Henri Lefebvre

B

Who expanded the view by examining how urban spaces themselves are created and influenced by social power and ideologies?

A) Jane Jacobs
B) Henri Lefebvre

B

Space as a Social Product:

A) Jane Jacobs
B) Henri Lefebvre

1. Perceived Space
2. Conceived Space
3. Lived Space

The 3 Henri Lefebvre's Concept of Space

Perceived Space

[Lefebvre's Concept of Space]

Everyday use of urban space, like how people navigate parks or streets.

Conceived Space

[Lefebvre's Concept of Space]

How urban planners and architects design cities, often influenced by power and economic forces.

Lived Space

[Lefebvre's Concept of Space]

The meanings people assign to spaces, such as graffiti walls being seen as art by some and vandalism by others.

Henri Lefebvre

Who emphasized Governance?

He expanded that urban spaces are socially produced. He saw spaces as a result of political, social, and economic forces.

C

BGC represents an exclusionary space that restricts access to lower-income groups.

A) Perceived Space
B) Conceived Space
C) Lived Space

A

BGC is viewed as a high-end area

A) Perceived Space
B) Conceived Space
C) Lived Space

B

BGC is designed with a particular aesthetic for elite residents and businesses. But for others

A) Perceived Space
B) Conceived Space
C) Lived Space

F - Lefebvre

T/F. Jacobs emphasized GOVERNANCE and expanded on how urban spaces are socially produced.

D

He argued that spaces are often planned in the interests of the wealthy and powerful, reinforcing social inequalities.

A) George Herbert Mead
B) Erving Goffman
C) Jane Jacob
D) Henri Lefebvre

C

How does the anonymity of a large city affect individual behavior?

A) It limits personal expression due to strict social norms.
B) It encourages people to conform to traditional values.
C) It allows individuals to express different facets of their identity freely.

Theory of the Self

[Identification of Theory]

The motorcyclist arrives at the gas station, removes their helmet, and heads inside to grab a quick snack. While they may express their individuality by wearing a unique jacket or having a custom paint job on their bike, they still follow the social of the space—paying for fuel, respecting the line at the cashier, and greeting the station attendant politely. These interactions subtly shape their sense of identity as both a rider and a member of society

Front Stage

[Identification of Theory]

In the gas station, they maintain a certain image— perhaps trying to appear tough, independent, or laid-back in front of other customers and the gas station staff. They interact politely with the cashier, maybe cracking a joke or keeping conversation brief to project an image of cool confidence.

Back Stage

[Identification of Theory]

However, once the motorcyclist is back on the road, they might let down their guard—adjusting their helmet, taking a moment to stretch, or even reflecting on their day, away from the public gaze

Urban Spaces and Public Behavior

[Identification of Theory]

The gas station at night might seem like a mundane space, but it's part of the city's ecosystem. It's brightly lit and serves as a temporary gathering point for all kinds of people— motorcyclists, taxi drivers, and night-shift workers.

Urban Spaces and Public Behavior

[Identification of Theory]

The presence of diverse people at the station contributes to its safety. The station remains active, with cars pulling in and out, and people coming and going. This activity discourages crime and keeps the space lively, much like how Jacobs described vibrant street life in her theories

Perceived Space

[Identification of Theory]

From the motorcyclist's perspective, the gas station is a practical stop—an everyday space where they can refuel their bike, grab a drink, and continue their journey. It's part of the routine, offering a brief moment of rest in an otherwise fast-paced city night

Conceived Space

[Identification of Theory]

Urban planners and designers conceived the gas station to be efficient, safe, and accessible. Its bright lights, clear signage, and security cameras are all part of the design that makes the space functional. For them, it's a space meant to facilitate the smooth operation of city life

Lived Space

[Identification of Theory]

However, for some, the gas station could take on new meanings. The motorcyclist, for instance, might have specific memories attached to their particular gas station—maybe this is where they often meet other riders for late-night road trips, or where they stop for a quiet moment to themselves before heading home. For them, the gas station is not just a functional space but a place that holds personal significance.