theories Flashcards
1
Q
Feminism
A
- like marxists, feminists tend to see society as divided into different social groups.
- unlike marxists, they see the major division as being between men and women rather than between different classes.
- like marxists, tend to see society as being characterised by exploitation.
- unlike marxists, see the exploitation of women by men rather than the exploitation of lower classes by higher classes.
- patriarchy, dominated by men (families, jobs, power in politics)
- representation of women
- aim: end mens domination, get rid of exploitation
- male-stream sociology - mainstream male dominated.
2
Q
Difference feminists
A
- not all women are equally oppressed
- look at experiences/problems ALL types of women face
- white woman in middle class society vs. poor black women.
3
Q
Feminism strengths
A
- it’s brought in intersectionalism
- it’s stronger and better than previous years
- somewhat aware of issues faced by men
- open minded
4
Q
Feminism weaknesses
A
- criticised by marxism, for concentrating only on gender exploitation
- can focus on the oppressed rather than the oppressors
5
Q
interactionism (social-action theory)
MICRO
A
differs from functionalism and marxism
- focuses on small scale interactions rather than society as a whole.
- rejects notion of social system, doesn’t regard human action as a response/reaction to the system.
- believes it is possible to improve society, on a small scale.
- ‘action between individuals’
- action is meaningful to those involved
- understanding of action involves understanding the definition of the situation
- perceptions may change in a situation
- micro
6
Q
Interactionism self-concept
A
i- picture of themselves/ how others see them (language, gestures, acting)
- important influence on themselves
- reflection of the reaction of others towards the individuals
- ‘looking glass self’ - COOLEY
- act according in terms of their self concept
7
Q
Interactionism strengths
A
- gives insight into small-scale human interactions
- recognises that perceptions of reality are variable and changing
- considers the social environment in which learning takes place
8
Q
Interactionism weaknesses
A
- symbols may be interpreted incorrectly and differently amongst different groups
- overestimates the power of individuals of human conduct, focuses strictly on logical behaviour
- not applicable to large-scale social structures
9
Q
Marxism
A
social, politic and economic philsophy
- examines the effect of capitalism on labour, productivity and economic development
- argues for a worker revolution to overturn capitalism in favour of communism
- class exploitation, 2 classes
- struggle between classes, bourgeoise and proletariat, defines economic relations in a capitalist economy will lead to revolutionary communism.
- class conflict, working class would overthrow the capitalist and take over the economy
- macro
10
Q
Marxism strengths
A
- analyses power and conflict in society, explains the uneven distribution of power and wealth between social classes
- helps explain conflict and change
11
Q
Marxism weaknesses
A
- overlooks alternative ideas that might shape behaviour, focuses on class conflict, other issues affecting behaviour given gender, race and individuals are not given attention
- class struggle not as important as MARX suggested
12
Q
Functionalism
A
society parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
- macro, social structures that shape society as a whole
- collective conscious, value consensus
- consensus = characterised by idea that society requires shared norms and values to function properly.
13
Q
Consensus theories
A
FUNCTIONALISM
14
Q
Conflict theories
A
Feminism and Marxism
15
Q
Macro theories
A
large scale social processes such as social stability and change
- MARXISM, FUNCTIONALISM
