Theories Flashcards
Name the 6 theories
Functionalist Marxist Interactionists Feminist Interpretivists Positivists
What are positivists?
Positivists believe that sociology should be treated like a natural science. We study people in the same way as we study plants or chemicals (emotionally detached)
Can also be referred to as structural or macro
Interested in facts not opinions
Quantitive methods
What are interpretivists?
They feel sociology should not be treated like a natural science, because human beings are conscious and should not be treated like rocks or plants
Qualitative methods of data - interested in why we act like we do
What is consensus?
View society as a place of happiness, harmony and consensus.
The functionalist high light the positive in everything - think society functions for everyone and everyone is happy
What is conflict?
Conflict theorists believe that there are problems and conflicts in society which need to be resolved
Marxists would argue that there is conflict in society between the different social classes who have unequal experiences of society
Feminists agree with Marxism but they see the root of this conflict is sex rather than social class
What are macro theories?
Whole of society and how different parts fit together (they look at the bigger picture)
Top down theories or structural
What are micro theories?
What is going on in small parts of society
Interactionists are a micro theory. Bottoms up or action theory
Functionalism
Society is like a biological organism - parts fit together and depend on each other. Society is made up of independent parts which each perform their own functions which contributes to the well being of society
But if one or more of these vital institutions starts to malfunction then society becomes dysfunctional
Talcott parsons (1902-1979) - social solidarity - feeling connected to eachother Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) - value consensus - Share values norms attitudes and beliefs
Marxism
Top down
Conflict theorists - problems in society and conflicts that need to be resolved
Marxists argue conflict in society is between different social classes who have unequal experiences of society.
Status is based on where you are position in the hierarchy of society
Ascribed status - status is not based on achievement
Bourgeoisie own the means of production
Proletariat own nothing but their own labour
Feminism
See conflicts in society but they see gender (rather than class) as the most important division
Women are at a disadvantage (patriarchal society)
Believe this inequality is shown through discrimination, exploitation and violence experienced by women
Institutions in society such as family media and education reinforce patriarchal views
Liberal feminists
Most diluted branch
Campaign simply for equality with men
Believe no one benefits from gender inequalities
Aim to create equal opportunities in education and the workplace
Marxist feminists
Social class is a main source of inequality shown in society Females are harder hit by this than men because they are double burdened by being lower down the class system and also being treated as the weaker sex They believe women are explored by the family and capitalism through providing unpaid housework and child care facilities
Black feminists
Agree with Marxist feminists but believe black women are in an even worse position because of their race
Sofia on the idea of sisterhood - being loyal to themselves as a group
They are angry that black civil rights groups were dominated by men that black woken are largely ignored
Radical feminists
Most extreme branch of feminism
Some campaign the world would be better without men
They feel women are disadvantaged because of their biology and will never be equal until babies can be produced outside of the womb
Women live in constant fear of rape and domestic violence
Internationism
Micro
Study society through interactions within individual and small groups using qualitative methods
Our actions are not determined by society instead we shape society through our choices meanings and actions
The ‘looking glass self’
Charles Cooley (1992) Stated individuals sense of self is shaped by their perceptions of how others see them (we seek the approval of others in the formation of our identities)
Labelling theory asserts that people may attach labels to others eg teacher calling a pupil troublesome and then treat them different accordingly to that label
Howard Becker (1963)
A generalised other
George Herbert Mead
People’s actions and beliefs develop through the process of socialisation
We learn social control through a process of recognising the expectations and attitudes of those around us. These shared views are social construction
Social constructions then influence behaviour
Postmodernism
A type of society which developed in the late 20th century and into the 21st century
Society is a different place with no absolute truths, knowledge and beliefs are relative.
Belief society is changing so rapidly and constantly that it is marked by chaos and uncertainty
Globalisation
A key feature of a post modern society The increasing interconnectedness of people across national boundaries Technological changes Economic changes Political changes
