Sociological theories Flashcards
Which theory starts with the concept that society is generally harmonious because the institutions work together to make sure everyone is socialised into the same norms and values?
Functionalism.
What four things does functionalism use to make sure everyone is socialised into the same norms and values?
Division of labour, social solidarity, value consensus and the collective conscience.
What word means ‘self balancing, the many parts will change and adapt to ensure a return to normalcy’.
Homeostatic.
Who is a well known functionalist and also one of the founding fathers of psychology?
Emile Durkheim (1858-1915).
Which theory is more of a political philosophy than a sociological perspective, and is associated with the years of the conservative government in Britain between 1979 and 1997?
The New Right.
What does the New Right put emphasis on?
Individual freedom, self-interest and reducing the power of the state to a minimum.
How does the New Right reduce the power of the state?
By reducing state spending by making individuals more self-reliant. An example of this is cutting welfare benefits which encourages people into work.
What is the free market?
Free competition between individuals, companies, schools and other institutions to give individuals maximum choice between competing ‘products’.
Does the New Right believe in change or sticking to traditional values?
Sticking to traditional values.
Which theory has an approach that stresses the fact that society is changing rapidly and constantly that is marked by chaos, uncertainty and risk?
Postmodernism.
Which social structures do Postmodernists say are breaking down and being replaced by a whole range of different and constantly changing social relationships?
The family and social classes.
How has the economy changed from a Postmodernist perspective?
From assembly-line mass production to ‘flexible specialisation’, where production is customised for small specialist markets.
Which theory believes that the economy is the driving force in society which determines the nature of social institutions, and people’s values and beliefs?
Marxism.
Marxism see’s the structure of society divided into what two parts?
The economic base and the superstructure.
What two basic social classes does Marx believe exist in capitalist industrial society?
The bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
