Critiques Of Each Theory

Question 1

Conflict Theroy

Answer 1

• Often accused of being too radical
• although points to inequality and stratification, many people believe that the class based system works - even for those negatively affected by it.
• conflict is not always a bad thing, nor is it always resolved violently (mostly non-violently)
• focuses too much on class conflict

Question 2

Symbolic interactivism

Answer 2

• ignores coercive effects of social structure
• focuses too much of the power of the individual
• we are all born into existing social structure. How than do we create them as we go along.

Question 3

Feminist Theory

Answer 3

• emerged when most social institutions were biased against women; this is not necessarily the case today.
• while gender inequality still exists; things are much better today
• because of focus on subjectivity, feminist methods lack scientific validity.

Question 4

Post Modernism

Answer 4

• Rejects “grand theories”, yet can be seen as one
• Focus too great on subjectivity
• science (facts and objectivity) can actually provide clear understanding
• removes class from analysis of power

Question 5

Structural Functionalism

Answer 5

• critics of SF ask, “for whom is the system functional? How is poverty functional for the poor?
• Change only occurs when problems become “big enough” eg. They affect the majority of the population- critics ask “what about minority groups”?
• Often fails to recognize how inequalities related to class, race and gender cause an imbalance in society
• Accused of being too conservative