Theories Flashcards
What is Functionalism
Functionalism views society as a structure with parts that work together to meet the needs of the people in that society. It notes value concensus which emphasizes the importance of shared norms and values for society to function properly.
What is Marxism
Marxism is a key conflict theory that believes capitalist society is based on inequalities between the bourgeoisie (ruling capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class).
What is Postmodernism
Postmodernism is an approach that attempts to define how society has progressed to an era beyond modernity. Within this era individuals are more likely to have a greater importance placed on science and rational thought as traditional metanarratives no longer provide a reasonable explanation for postmodern life.
What is Feminism
Feminism is a movement and perspective that aims to achieve gender equality and oppose patriarchy. Many believe that society is oppressive towards women in many ways.
What is the New Right
The New Right is a political idea that supports free markets, limited government, and traditional family values. It wants to reduce welfare and government spending, believing people should take responsibility for themselves. The New Right also opposes progressive social changes and focuses on restoring traditional morals.
What is interpretism
Interpretivism is a sociological method of research in which an action or event is analyzed based on the beliefs, norms, and values of the culture of the society in which it takes place. It is a qualitative method used to analyze data related to human actions in sociology. (MICRO)
What is Positivism
Positivism is an approach to the study of society that relies specifically on scientific evidence, such as experiments and statistics, to reveal a true nature of how society operates. (MACRO)
MACRO sociology
How many?
MICRO sociology
Why?
What is interactionalism
Interactionism is a sociological theory that views society as a product of human interactions and the meanings people give to those interactions.
Functionalist view on the family
Serves essential functions for society, such as socialising children into norms and stablisising adult personalities (Parsons). Durkheim said it reinforces shared values which promotes social cohesion. Also note Murdock’s 4 functions.
Marxist view on the family
The family reproduces class inequalities (Engels). TNF was made by the rich to pass down property (Engels). Althusser said it acts as an ideological state apparatus to socialise children to accept capitalism. But, Zaretsky suggested it could be a ‘safe haven’ to protect workers from the harsh capitalist world.
Feminist view on the family
Reinforces male dominance and exploits women through their unpaid labour. It reinforces gender roles (Oakley).
Postmodernist view on the family
They argue that the family is unique to everyone and that it cannot be generalised. It has become fragmented, and has been characterised by greater choice and equality in todays society.
New Right view on the family
They believe that the nuclear family is the ideal structure for social stability and child development. They believe that family breakdown, particularly single-parent households, leads to social problems such as crime and welfare dependency.
Functionalist view on education
Durkheim suggests that education transmits shared norms and values and helps create social cohesion.
Parsons suggests that education acts as secondary socialisation, stabilising adult personalities and uses a meritocratic system to allocate roles to members.
Marxist view on education
Bordieu suggests that education reproduces social class inequalities. Children from wealthier families are more likely to succeed because they have more access to cultural capital.
School acts as an ideological state apparatus (Althusser) that teaches students to accept their subordinate position in society.
Bowles and Gintis suggest that the hidden curriculum uses unwritten rules to promote authority and conformity from students.
Feminist view on education
Willis suggests that schools transmit gendered expectations via the hidden curriculum. Ann Oakley and Sharpe lead onto this by mentioning how subject choice can be affected by expectations and socialisation into gendered subjects.
Postmodernist view on education
Lyotard suggests that metanarratives are less influential on today’s society, impacting education. Globalisation of education has allowed ideas to be taught from across the globe, connecting societies together.
New Right view on education
They believe that schools should compete like businesses (marketisation), with parents as consumers. Chubb suggests that this will improve standards.
Schools should promote discipline, respect for authority, and a strong work ethic. Tory politicians, like Margaret Thatcher, championed these ideas as central to social cohesion.
