General Sociology

Question 1

Meaning of theory

Answer 1

a set of ideas claiming to explain how society works

Question 2

Meaning of society

Answer 2

an ordered community

Question 3

Meaning of sociological theory

Answer 3

a set of ideas claiming to explain how society works

Question 4

What do conflict theorists believe about the different groups in society?

Answer 4

That some groups benefit at the expense of others. All the groups fit into one body

Question 5

Define ‘means of production’

Answer 5

Having access to make produce e.g. a field, a factory. The things you use to make produce

Question 6

Define ‘proletartat’

Answer 6

The lower/ working class who have to get a job from the bourgeoisie and do not own the means to production

Question 7

Define ‘ bourgeoisie’

Answer 7

The upper/ ruling class who control everything and have the ownership to the means of production

Question 8

According to marx, what is the relationship between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie?

Answer 8

Bourgeoisie controls the government and makes the proletariat work for them as servants.

Question 9

Explain the difference between capitalism and communism with reference to the words ‘ownership’ and ‘equality’

Answer 9

Capitalism is when the rich keep getting richer and can privately own land or property, whereas communism is when everyone has access to everything (communal ownership) and everyone is equal.

Question 10

List 4 of the institutions that make up the superstructure

Answer 10

Education, law, politics, religion

Question 11

According to Marx, what is the ‘base’ of society?

Answer 11

The base of society is the means of production + the relations of production i.e. the factory, and the relationship between the factory worker and the factory owner.

The base shapes the superstructure i.e. the relationships of production are reproduced in religion

In terms we use today, the ‘base’ is essential ‘the economy’ - the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money.

Question 12

Explain the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the superstructure

Answer 12

The bourgeoisie control the superstructure so that the proletariats cannot overrule the bourgeoisie

Question 13

What is ‘false consciousness’

Answer 13

The bourgeoisie making the proletariats think it’s natural for them to be below them so they have a false consciousness

Question 14

Explain the relationship between the superstructure and ‘false consciousness’

Answer 14

False consciousness doesn’t let the proletariat bounce above and have some say in the superstructure. They are brainwashed to think they will always be the lower class in society

Question 15

List one possible criticism of Marxism

Answer 15

It didn’t take notice of the middle-class people

Question 16

What is the core belief of consensus theorists?

Answer 16

We live as one body and there is a general agreement

Question 17

Explain the difference between conflict and consensus theories’ ideas about rules

Answer 17

• Functionalists believe that rules are important. Rules unite people, helping them to work together and allowing society to function.
• Conflict theory sees the rules in society as being in place to control the less powerful and to stop them from challenging the power of the ruling class.

Question 18

Name the French sociologist who developed functionalism

Answer 18

Emile Durkheim

Question 19

According to functionalism, all institutions perform and deliver a society’s ‘functional prequisites’. What is a functional prerequisite?

Answer 19

• Functional prerequisites are what society needs in order to survive
• For example, the institution of the economy delivers society’s functional prerequisite of food and shelter.
• The law delivers society’s functional prerequisite of order and discipline.

Question 20

In your opinion, what are the functional prerequisites that the institution of education delivers?

Answer 20

Make children learn more so they can get a good job in the future and could live a better life.