Notes: sociological theory, a set of interrelated ideas that provide a systematic understanding of the social world
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he conflict and functionalist theories are both at the macro level of analysis and do not include an emphasis on social interactions. Conflict theorists focus on exploitation in society, and functionalists are more concerned with the parts of society and how each functions. Symbolic interaction theorists analyze individual interactions to better understand society as a whole. This micro-level analysis provides insight into how we form our socialized self through everyday interactions.