key words 3

Question 1

modernist

Answer 1

Sociological theories developed in the ‘modern’ era, which believe we can study society
today, and a few hundred years ago, using the same methods - as our societies are similar.

Question 2

late-modernist and post-modernist

Answer 2

These theorists see ‘modernist’ theories as out of date. Late Modernists think the world
has changed so much, our theories need updating. Postmodernists think we are in a ’post-modern’ era, and the world has changed so much, previous theories need abandoning.

Question 3

structural vs action theories

Answer 3

Structural theories take a macro-/big-picture/top-down perspective on society. Action
theories focus on individuals, in a micro-perspective: ‘bottom-up’.

Question 4

consensus vs conflict theories

Answer 4

Consensus theories (i.e. Functionalism) focus on how society functions successfully, and
Conflict theories (such as Marxism and Feminism) on division and exploitation.

Question 5

functionalism

Answer 5

Thinkers including Durkheim and Parsons, who focus on the processes in society that
make individuals and institutions work together to fulfil positive functions.

Question 6

marxism

Answer 6

Thinkers inspired by Karl Marx, who focus on class division and economic exploitation.
They dislike capitalism, and think capitalism shapes how our society operates.

Question 7

feminism

Answer 7

Thinkers who believe society is patriarchal (male-dominated) and that the division between
men and women is the most important division in society.

Question 8

Weber’s social action theory

Answer 8

Weber (c.1900) was the first thinker to challenge structural theories like Functionalism
and Marxism by insisting they should be able to provide explanations at an individual level.

Question 9

new right

Answer 9

The New Right are sociological thinkers who believe in right-wing economic and social
policy, and have been influential over government policy on education and welfare.

Question 10

deterministic vs voluntaristic

Answer 10

Determinist ideas see our lives as decided (‘determined’) for us by society. Structural
theories tend to be determinist. Action theories are often more ‘voluntarist’, believing more in ‘free will’ (our actions are more ‘voluntary’). A common criticism of structural theories
is that they are ‘too determinist’ (they suggest we are under control, with no free choice).