Social action more useful than structural Flashcards
P1: What is Weber’s main argument about human behaviour?
Weber argues that human behaviour is shaped by individual motivations and subjective meanings, not just large-scale social structures.
What is value-rational action, and give an example.
Value-rational action is behaviour driven by beliefs, such as religious fasting. Example: Protestants working hard due to religious beliefs (The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism).
What is “Verstehen,” and how does it relate to social action theory?
“Verstehen” means empathetic understanding, where sociologists interpret people’s actions from their perspective rather than assuming behaviour is determined by structures.
Why is Weber’s theory considered useful?
It provides a detailed, micro-level understanding of how individuals interpret and respond to the world, acknowledging individual agency and decision-making.
What is the Marxist critique of Weber’s theory?
Marxists argue that Weber ignores class structures and economic forces—religious beliefs are shaped by capitalism. Althusser (1971) claims individuals are shaped by ruling-class ideology through institutions like media and education.
What is the “Dramaturgical Model”?
Goffman compares social life to a stage performance, where individuals act out roles in “front stage” (public settings) and “backstage” (private settings).
P2: What is Goffman’s main argument about human behaviour?
Goffman argues that human behaviour is shaped by social interactions and the way people “perform” roles in society.
How does Goffman explain identity construction?
Identity is constructed through interactions, and people manage impressions to influence how others see them.
Why is symbolic interactionism considered useful?
It explains how individuals construct their social identity and adapt to social situations, highlighting active identity construction rather than passive conformity to structures.
What is the functionalist critique of Goffman’s theory?
Functionalists argue that symbolic interactionism ignores wider social structures—institutions maintain order and stability through shared norms, not just individual interpretations.
P3: What is Marx’s main argument about society?
Marx argues that society is shaped by class conflict, where the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat.
How does Marx describe capitalism?
Capitalism is based on exploitation and inequality, with the ruling class maintaining power through economic control and ideology.
What is “false class consciousness”?
False class consciousness occurs when workers believe capitalism is fair due to ideological manipulation by institutions like education and the media.
Why is Marxism considered useful?
It exposes hidden power structures and inequality, showing how society benefits the privileged rather than everyone equally.
What is the postmodernist critique of Marxism?
Postmodernists argue that Marxism is outdated—class is no longer the key division, and society is shaped by identity, culture, and consumption. Lyotard (1984) claims Marxism ignores individual choice and diversity.
