2. Theory and Methods - Structural Theory

Question 1

For society to run smoothly what two features need to be in balance according to functionalists?

Answer 1

Social cohesion and Social control

Question 2

What does GAIL stand for?

Answer 2

Goal attainment, Adaption, Integration and latency

Question 3

What are two external critiques of functionalist theory?

Answer 3

Inability to explain conflict and change, too deterministic

Question 4

Three concept relating to the New Right theory?

Answer 4

Underclass, welfare dependancy and marketisation

Question 5

What are the different types of marxist theory?

Answer 5

Historical (materialistic), Neo, structural and humanistic

Question 6

What links these three ideas?
(hegemony, false class consciousness and alienation)

Answer 6

Traditional marxism

Question 7

Identify two marxist sociologists who discuss the theory or society?

Answer 7

Gramsci and Althusser

Question 8

2 criticisms of traditional marxist theory

Answer 8

economic determinism, polarisation,

Question 9

Criticisms of Marx

Answer 9

• Marx paid little attention to other significant social divisions, including those between men and women, ethnic groups and age differences

Question 10

Althusser (structural neo-marxist)

Answer 10

Criticises marx superstructure/economic base model. Suggests it’s more complicated than marx suggests.