SOAN 2120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Symbolic Interactionism, Conflict Theories, Class Conflict

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology and Anthropology
• Course: SOAN 2120
• Professor: D Walters

Document Summary

Understand why social researchers use research methods. Know the distinctions between the three major theoretical perspectives. How is social theory related to research. Understand variables and be able to distinguish quantitative from categorical variables. Conflict between competing groups: bourgeoisie vs. working class. Class struggle for power, wealth and resources. We should have equality of result (everyone is equal) There is a consensus amongst society that inequality is functional. Everyone should be given an equal opportunity. Want to understand the meanings behind people"s behavior and perceptions of reality. The relationship between social thoughts and social research. The way functionalist view the world makes them more likely to use quantitative methodology. The way symbolic integrationists view the world makes them more likely to use qualitative methods. Social researchers use research methods to determine how the environment influences people. Capitalism creates a situation where over time the rich would get richer and the poor would get poor.