Theories

Question 1

Main features of functionalism?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Main features of Marxism?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Main features of Feminism?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Main features of Weberism?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Strengths of Functionalism?

Answer 5

View society as a whole
Refers to social structure when analysing social behaviour
Explains the persistence of social phenomena well

Question 6

Weaknesses of Functionalism?

Answer 6

Ignores individual and group interaction
Finds it difficult to explain conflict and change
Assumes value consensus is naturally occurring and mutually beneficial

Question 7

Strengths of Marxism?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Weaknesses of Marxism?

Answer 8

Only focuses on class conflict. Gender, race and individuals are not focused on

Question 9

Strengths of Feminism?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Weaknesses of Feminism?

Answer 10

May ignore wider factors like social class
Ignores factors such as ethnicity
Overlooks the oppression of some men (father for justice)

Question 11

Strengths of Weberism?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Weaknesses of Weberism?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What is a consensus theory?

Answer 13

Different parts of society work together to benefit society (Functionalism, value consensus)

Question 14

What is a conflict theory?

Answer 14

Different parts of society are working against each other antagonistically (Marxism, feminism)

Question 15

What is value consensus?

Answer 15

A shared set of norms and values

Question 16

What is symbolic interactionism?

Answer 16

Social world is constructed through individual interactions
Enables us to express feelings
Symbols correlate with language and feelings

Question 17

Strengths of symbolic interactionism?

Answer 17

Gives insight into small scale human interactions
Recognises that perceptions of reality are changing
Considers the social environment in which learning takes place

Question 18

Weaknesses of symbolic interactionism?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Strengths of Neo-Marxism?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Weaknesses of Neo-Marxism?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What is social action theory?

Answer 21

People are ‘actors’ and are powerful in shaping their world

Question 22

What is a structural theory?

Answer 22

Behaviour is largely structured by society, we have little free will