SOCIOLOGY NOTES JAN 31, 2014 REVIEW Symbolic Interaction: humans create and negotiate shared meanings and then interact based on those shared meanings Rational Choice: humans weigh cost and benefits before making a choice; everything (even love) is and exchange Structural-Functionalism: groups, culture, and processes work together to benefit society Symbolic interaction: ?things that are believed to be real are real in their consequences? Rational actor: ?every man for himself? Structural-Functionalism: ?no one can whistle a symphony? ` CONFLICT THEORY Conflict is inevitable Groups of people look out for their self-interest Social change is desirable Existing order reflects powerful people imposing their values on the weak MARX AND CONFLICT THEORY