SOC100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Conflict Theories, Feminist Theory, Symbolic Interactionism
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SOC100H1 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Elements in society are interconnected and interrelated. Well functioning societies require values consensus, social cohesion and social control. Social problems (eg, deviance) occasionally strengthen social cohesion by renewing commitment to social boundaries. Structural functionalists believe that most social structures are a good thing so they are seen as conservative theorists (this is they want to conserve the status quo) Inequality serves a purpose to motivate those on the lower rungs of the ladder to work and increase their status. Conflict and change are basic features of social life. Social problems are a result of inequality, conflict and change. Conflicting groups, classes and individuals routinely struggle for domination over others. Rooted in the work of karl marx theory and a focus on capitalism. Inversion: to the structural functionalist, society is held together by consensus virtually everyone accepts the social structure its legitimacy and its benefits. But to the conflict theorist, society is held together by coercion.
