Symbolic interactions focus on the level of analysis. It examines small -scale patterns of social interaction. It observes what people do when they are in the presence of others. “Symbolic interaction studies how people use symbols to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicate with one another (Henslin 2002, p.14).” Symbols define for us what relationships are and allow society to exist. Using symbolic interaction one can analyze power relation by examining the status of a person. One who

is rich and wealthy may be viewed as powerful because they have luxurious cars, houses and accessories. It can demonstrate the person’s achievements and success which lead them to prosper; therefore, attaining an authoritative position. They use status symbols to identify their power. Parents are symbols of power. They exercise the authority over their children. They have the power to discipline their children, choose schools, religion and morality. This is a type pf traditional authority which is based on custom (Henslin 2002, p. 275). The goals of people constantly change over time. People’s standards and symbols of success increase leading them to want more money. As meanings and interpretations modify people’s needs modify as well. Symbols change people’s goals and desires resulting in a driving force for power.

Conflict theory is the third perspective in sociology. It was founded my Karl Marx. Marx deems that, unlike functionalists, conflict theory does not view a harmonious unit which benefits all social, political, or economical society. He supposes that there is conflict between owners and workers and that eventually the workers will rise against the owners and attempt to overthrow them. He concluded that, “Conflict theory stresses that society is composed of groups that engage in fierce competition for scarce resources (Henslin 2002, p.17).” Small groups control production and exploit those who are not in control. The struggle is between bourgeoisies, the small group of capitalists who own the means of produce wealth, and the proletariat, the mass of workers. To return to the McDonalds example, conflict theorists would disagree about everyone is happy. They would argue that only the owners are benefiting and getting powerful the workers are just working hard labor. The rich are getting richer and due to the workers. The perspective points out that one day

Some topics in this essay:
Marx Marx, Max Weber, James Henslin, henslin 2002, Perspectives Power, conflict theory, social interaction, functional analysis, paid minimum wage, henslin 2002 p15, role society, analyze power, minimum wage, modify symbols, day workers, power wealth,