Sociological theories

Question 1

Functionalism

Answer 1

• macro-level
• Emile Durkheim
• all aspects of society serve a function, are necessary
• key: all elements of society are interdependent
• underlines how social structures maintain or undermine social stability

Question 2

Conflict theory

Answer 2

• macro-level
• Karl Marx
• conflict between classes which will eventually trigger social change
• stresses how privileged groups try to maintain their advantages while subordinate groups struggle to increase theirs
• key: the concept of social inequality in the division of resources

Question 3

Symbolic interactionism

Answer 3

• micro-level
• George Herbert Mead
• focuses on face-to-face communication, study the meaning and communication & subjective meaning of reality
• social behaviour is required to understand the subjective meanings people attach to their social circumstances

Question 4

Feminist Theory

Answer 4

• macro-level & micro-level
• core of feminist sociology is the belief that women have been systematically oppressed & men have been historically dominant
• holds that male domination & female subordination are determined not by biological necessity but by structures of power & social convention