Basics of sociology Flashcards
structural approach
some sociologists adopt a structural approach to studying society -
analysing the impact that social factors have upon individuals
social action approach
other sociologists prefer this approach-
one that suggest individuals have free will and are able to make choices
Macro-sociology
looks at large-scale social processes, such as social stability and change.
structural approach is broken down into what 2 theories ?
Conflict and Consensus
Conflict theories
argue that society is divided by two or more groups and that they compete for power and resources
e.g. Marxism, Feminism
Consensus theories
suggest that society is balanced and people have a common identity and purpose
e.g. Functionalism (most common)
Micro-sociology
looks at small-scale interactions between individuals, such as conversation or group dynamics.
what is the most common social action theory
interactionism
define interactionism
is a micro-sociological perspective that argues meanings are produced through the interactions of individuals
Sociologists definition of gender
refers to the socially constructed characteristics that surround people from across the gender spectrum.
however some may not agree.
Gender differences in society
Differences in experience of both males and females in society that sociologists investigate
often utilise quantitative data in order to demonstrate differences but more recent research focused on experiences of gender.
Those identifying as non-binary or non-conforming often not represented in official statistics
gender differences in education
Girls achieve higher at all levels of education but face other forms of discrimination such as harassment and being channelled into low paying careers
Boys underachieve in education and often curriculum is accused of being feminised
Bullying of non-binary people is increasing in education
Gender differences in crime
Males more likely to commit crimes and often this is linked to their socialisation, attitudes towards masculinity and status within society
Younger males more likely to be victims of crimes- often by other young males
Females more likely to be afraid of being victim of crime and subject to sexual crimes
Gender differences in employment
Women earn less on average than males in the workplace- hourly median wage is 7.9% less in 2021- 1/3 of women more likely to be in part time employment (women) compared to 1/6 males
Women less likely to be in leadership roles- 31.5% of CEO of FTSE 350 companies are female
Decline in traditional male jobs since 1970s and claims of feminisation of workplace
Evaluating gender differences
Sociology has often been accused of being malestream- focused on male academics, studying issues related to men activities
Significant impact of feminist sociologists on our understanding of society and some progress has been made in western world
gender differences still remain- recent reversals of legislation in the USA and other nations (roe vs wade) recent reappeal removed statutory rights for individual sates in the USA to allow abortions.
