Structuralism

Question 1

Structuralism definition

Answer 1

A perspective which is concerned with the overall structure of society and sees individual behaviour as moulded by social institutions like the family, education and media

Question 2

Macro approach definition

Answer 2

One that focuses on the large-scale structure of society as a whole, rather than on individuals

Question 3

Positivism definition

Answer 3

The view that logic, methods and procedures of the natural sciences, as used in subjects like chemistry, physics and biology, can be applied to the study of society with little modification

Question 4

Features of structuralist approaches

Answer 4

1. The behaviour and values of individual humans (formation of identities, how they’re affected by social forces, lack of individual control or choice - like puppets)
2. The main purpose of sociology is to study the overall structure of society (social institutions, focus on large scale - macro approach)
3. Positivism is the main methodological approach (quantitative methods)

Question 5

2 main varieties of structuralism

Answer 5

Functionalism (consensus structuralism)
Marxism (conflict structuralism)