Symbolic Interaction Theory Vs Conflict Theory Essay

To begin let’s start with explaining the meaning of the word theory. A theory is defined as the following, a statements of how and why particular facts about the social world are related. Sociologist tend to use just three major theories and they are as followed; symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory, but we will be focusing on symbolic interactionism and how it is use to view social life in a different approach then what is used in the other previous theories mentioned. Symbols are the central focal point in symbolic interactionism; we clip a meaning to a person or situation in a way for us to provide communication with the world around us. Without any type of symbols in human social life there would honestly be no meaning; there would be no such thing as identifying a person or an animal or an object for that matter such as, mom, dad, cousin, dogs, or even a pencil in broader perspective our world would be pretty …show more content…
Symbolic interactionist use the differential association theory in which goes against any particular idea that biology or personality of an individual is the source of deviance (an action or behavior that violates social norms including a formally enacted rule.) In this theory it states that the different groups we choose to associate ourselves with bring out the message of conformity of deviance. For example Carlos was raised in an upper class family with expectations to be the best in everything he does. Which in sum since he was raised in such in environment then most likely he will do exactly that. Another example would be if Carlos were raised in a poor neighborhood with abusive parents; possibilities are that Carlos would associate with the not so great kids around the neighborhood; Carlos would become rebellious with anyone he comes across with that holds any sort of