Sociological Theory Flashcards
What is Marxism?
An ideology inspired by philosopher Karl Marx, that states society is in economic conflict, between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
What is subsistence?
The means that society satisfies its basic means for survival.
Differences between the bourgeoisie and proletariat
bourgeoisie - rich, upper class minority. owns means of production and private property.
proletariat - majority working class, work for the bourgeoisie.
What is Functionalism?
An ideology inspired by sociologist Émile Durkheim, that states things occur in society for a specific function and these functions help maintain stability.
What is social cohesion?
The extent to which members of society are bound together and share similar values. Often associated with functionalism.
What is class struggle?
The conflict of interest between the bourgeoisie and proletariat in a capitalist society.
What is structuralism?
A method of interpretation, that states in order to fully understand something, we must understand its relations to a broader system.
What is the main interest of the proletariat?
To end their exploitation.
What is the main interest of the bourgeoisie?
To maintain and develop their wealth and power.
What is ruling class ideology?
The most prevalent and dominant ideas in society, of which were created by the bourgeoisie to uphold capitalism.
(e.g, the idea that it is “natural” to want more than what you have)
What is the revolution predicted by Karl Marx in which capitalist society is overthrown by the proletariat?
The Proletarian Revolution
What is action theory?
A micro-sociological theory that states humans do have free will, and that in order to understand the actions of people, we must undergo small-scale research and aim for empathetic understanding.
What are the core arguments of Max Weber?
- that class is not just about money/economic status, that it is also about a person’s skills and qualifications
- that a high social status does not always mean a high income
- that the origin of capitalist society comes from Calvinist communities.
- that although social forces exist, individuals still have free will, and can make autonomous decisions that are not typical for people of the group they were born into.
What is new right theory?
A right-wing political ideology that combines neo-liberalist views (less government intervention and free markets) with traditional conservative views on social issues. (e.g, nuclear families are the best).
Some new right thinkers believe there are biological differences that explain inequality.
What is perverse incentive?
A motive/incentive that generates an unwanted or undesirable result, that is usually the opposite of the intended result.
- (e.g, doctors have a financial incentive to recommend expensive treatment, which may lead to more hospitalisations)
- (e.g2, energy companies that use toxic, non-renewable energy make a profit out contributing to the earth’s climate crisis)
