Freaks and Geeks

What are the groups and what functions do they serve? Are there negative influences from any of the groups (dysfunctions)? This is functional theory. It was developed by Emile Durkheim.
A. Parents/teachers: they keep the young people in check. Freaks: they’re intimidating and they represent ‘bad choices.’ Geeks: they’re innocent, less attractive and not masculine. They are always facing some sort of conflict they must solve on their own. Bullies: they give the geeks issues. They try to intimidate others even though they are physically not intimidating,
Who has power in the episode? How or why do they have power? How do they use it? This is conflict theory. It was first developed by Karl Marx.
A. The bullies. They harass the geeks and create constant conflict. They use this power to intimidate the geeks and take their anger out on them. Lyndsey’s counselors and parents. They are adults and she isn’t. they use this to prevent her from hanging out with the wrong crowd.
What are the important symbols in the episode? Note that the symbols might be an object, but also might be an idea, an event or something else. How do the characters act based on the symbols they find important? This is symbolic interactionism. You can connect it to Max Weber.
A. Lindsay's army jacket. Everyone notices that she is wearing it, including her brother. It represents her individualism and her rebellion. It also shows that she is questioning who she is as a person at this point in time.
Can you relate any of these theories to your own life? How can the things you do be interpreted through one of these theories? For example why do you wear what you wear or why are you going to college or why do you stress yourself out to get "good" grades?
A. I don’t feel as though I experience any of these theories in my life right now. I wear what I wear because it’s cold out. I’m going to college because I’ll be bored if I don’t. I’m too young to be a housewife and have kids, so you know. I don’t care about good grades, I show up to school because it’s a state law.