In today's society there are often power struggles about almost everything. As Max Weber points out, we perceive power as the ability to get your way, even over the resistance of others. Social power, political power, or economic power is all supremacy that people want to achieve; but who actually conquers these powers? Who determines such authority? There are three theoretical perspectives in sociology make general statements about how some parts of the world fit together. Sociology uses symbolic interactions, functional analysis, and conflict theory to analyze power relations in society, politics, or economics. Each theory interprets reality in a distinct and unique manner.
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.