MCAT Sociology terms and theories part 1

Rational choice exchange theory – Everything people do is ratonal. For every action there is a cost benefit analysis. Behavior is selfish. Interactions are based on social reward –approval and social punishment – disapproval.

People seek to maximize profits by comparing pros and cons.

Functionalism – society wants to stabilize, come to an equilibrium. Society is compared to an organism. Institutions are constant, change only to become functional again. Macro. Emile Durkheim

Conflict theory – polarized society. 2 sides fight for limited resources. , creating a new society. Karl Marx.