Final answer:
Sociology includes various theories like structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, each offering a unique perspective on social interactions, which is why they don't always seem to say the same things about society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jennifer, it's understandable that you're finding it challenging to reconcile the different theories in your sociology class. Sociologists develop theories to explain various social events, interactions, and patterns, and these theories are essentially frameworks for understanding the complex social world around us. Each theory provides a unique lens through which we can view societal structures and processes. For example, structural functionalism looks at society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability, while conflict theory focuses on the social conflicts that arise due to the inequality of power and resources. Symbolic interactionism, on the other hand, is concerned with the symbolic meanings that people develop and rely upon in the course of social interaction, emphasizing a micro-level perspective. It's these differing perspectives that make sociology a rich field of study, as they encourage us to ask better questions and formulate more informed answers. This diversity of thought is crucial, as it prepares us to live and work in an increasingly diverse and integrated world by making us more aware of and open to other people's perspectives.