-The three major sociological theories are usually identified as structural-functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. Of these, which do you find most interesting and/or useful? Why do you prefer it to the others?
-Why do you think sociology has so many rival theories?
-Which do you think is more important: "explaining" society by discovering cause-and-effect relationships (as Durkheim did), or "understanding" society by investigating it as an empathetic observer (as Weber did)? Discuss why you prefer one of these versions of sociology over the other.