Theories Flashcards
Main features of functionalism?
Society is made up of social institutions, every system has a function in society
Consensus theory
If one system breaks down the result is anomie
Macro theory, how the social structure shapes patterns of behaviour
Emphasises harmony, stability, necessity and function
Main features of Marxism?
Conflict theory between the ruling class and subject class
Bourgeoisie increase their wealth by exploiting the proletariat
Those with economic power control societies institutions
False class consciousness created
Main features of Feminism?
Conflict theory between men and women
Inequality is universal and the most significant type of inequality
Women are subordinate because men have more power
The patriarchy is the main cause of gender inequality
Main features of Weberism?
Social action theory
Individuals shape society
Ways of living are the products of motivated choice
Individuals behave because of rationality, tradition and emotions
Social action is a result of individual or group interaction
Bottom up approach
Strengths of Functionalism?
View society as a whole
Refers to social structure when analysing social behaviour
Explains the persistence of social phenomena well
Weaknesses of Functionalism?
Ignores individual and group interaction
Finds it difficult to explain conflict and change
Assumes value consensus is naturally occurring and mutually beneficial
Strengths of Marxism?
Views society as a whole and its interrelated parts Explains the nature of class inequalities in different areas of life Recognises power interest of different groups Explains conflict and change
Weaknesses of Marxism?
Only focuses on class conflict. Gender, race and individuals are not focused on
Strengths of Feminism?
Raised awareness of gender issues
Legal changes- right to vote, divorce, abortion, equal pay, sex discrimination act
Balanced out malestream sociology
Enabled women to write about women
Weaknesses of Feminism?
May ignore wider factors like social class
Ignores factors such as ethnicity
Overlooks the oppression of some men (father for justice)
Strengths of Weberism?
Recognised the importance of individual meanings which change society
Looks at how individual motives can lead to changes in structures such as capitalism
Provided a bridge between structural and action perspectives
Weaknesses of Weberism?
Too much focus on society shaping the individual
Theories have been criticized to say that capitalism existed before protestantism
Detailed information gained from an individuals view may be harder to analyse and generalise
What is a consensus theory?
Different parts of society work together to benefit society (Functionalism, value consensus)
What is a conflict theory?
Different parts of society are working against each other antagonistically (Marxism, feminism)
What is value consensus?
A shared set of norms and values
What is symbolic interactionism?
Social world is constructed through individual interactions
Enables us to express feelings
Symbols correlate with language and feelings
Strengths of symbolic interactionism?
Gives insight into small scale human interactions
Recognises that perceptions of reality are changing
Considers the social environment in which learning takes place
Weaknesses of symbolic interactionism?
Symbols may be interpreted incorrectly and differently by different groups
Overestimates the power of individuals, focuses strictly on logical behaviour
Not applicable to large scale social structures
Strengths of Neo-Marxism?
Updates Marxist ideas, more applicable to contemporary society
Acknowledges the power of ideas in shaping society
Concept of hegemony recognises importance of ideas and actions
Weaknesses of Neo-Marxism?
Some would argue that Marx did argue the importance of ideas with his class consciousness discussion Underplays the importance of economy in shaping society Gramsci has been criticized for under-emphasising the importance of material factors like economic crisis and fear of poverty
What is social action theory?
People are ‘actors’ and are powerful in shaping their world
What is a structural theory?
Behaviour is largely structured by society, we have little free will
