Theories and Methods Flashcards
Central to Functionalism is the organic analogy, what is the organic analogy?
Society is a system where each institution has a role to play, like in a biological organism e.g. our bodies we have our organs which each have a role to play.
The organic analogy aspect of functionalism is highly criticised by conflict theories such as Marxism and Feminism but why?
It can’t explain conflict and change. Organism are relatively stable and harmonious system in which all parts work together for a common good. Where as in society the institutions may work for a common good but along the way exploit the W.C (Marxism) e.g. working for unfair wages because they’ve accepted the ideology that’s been reinforced through other institutions.
Explain what Parsons calls structural differentiation?
where society is changing from a simple to complex form e.g. institutions are becoming specialised- home is no longer a place of production, it’s just as domestic place as factories have been introduced.
What is the effect of structural differentiation?
Society moves at an equilibrium because all parts are equal at a point but when one changes they will all change slowly and over time meaning a perfect equilibrium will never be achieved except for small periods of time hence the moving equilibrium.
Parsons identifies 4 basic needs that society have that are met by separate sub systems, what are they?
Adaptation- need to adapt to the environment
goal attainment-n set goals for members of society are directed to.
integration- need to maintain cohesion.
pattern maintenance- need to maintain pattern of value commitments amongst societies members.
Explain Merton’s internal critique- indispensability ?
the idea that only the institutions can carry out their role in society. Where as Merton argues that this is untested and he points to alternatives e.g. primary socialisation is best done by nuclear families, however extended families or communes may do just as good or better.
Explain Merton’s internal critique- Functional unity ?
the idea all pats of society are interconnected and that they all work together for the benefit of the whole, and that a change in one institution will create change elsewhere. However neither is true. Complex modern societies have parts distantly related to one another and instead of functional unity, have functional autonomy (exist independently) from others.
Explain Merton’s internal critique- Universal functionalism?
the idea that all parts of social system fulfill some positive function. He claims that some functions maybe seen as dysfucntional or non functional by some groups. So according to merton functions are either positive, negative or non existent. The idea of dysfunctional functions introduces a neglected note as it suggests there maybe conflict of interest and some groups may have more power to keep things in order to benefit them, at the expense of others. This means you cant assume society runs smoothly.
Identify and explain 3 external critiques of functionalism
Logical criticism- teleology is the idea that things exist because of their effect/ function e.g. functionalists would say family exists because they’re the cornerstone of society and they need to socialise children. However it doesn’t identify a cause and effect. Logically cause comes before effect. So how can sociology explain the effect of a cause ?
Marxists- society is divided into the bourgeoisie and proletariat. The proletariat are unequal and have different interests to the bourgeoisie. Marxists would claim the stability in society is caused by the bourgeoisie being able to control the proletariat and prevent change by ideological manipulation.
Feminists- we live in a patriarchal society, where meritocracy is a key function in society. It belittles women and makes them feel worthless e.g. women apologise 80% more in conversation than men.
Unlike Parsons, Marx did not see progress as a smooth an gradual evolution, how did he see it?
A historical change as a contradictory process in which capitalism would increase human misery before giving way to classless communist society where we can fulfil our potential.
identify 3 of Marx’s key ideas about human history ?
Historical materialism
Base Vs Superstructure
Alienation.
Explain historical materialism?
Materialism is the view that humans are beings with material needs such as food, clothing and shelter and we must work to achieve them. In doing so they use the forces of production.
Over time as the forces of production grow and develop, so too the social relations of production also change. In particular, a division of labour develops, and this eventually gives rise to a division between classes- those who own the means of production and the labourers.
Explain Base Vs Superstructure?
The base consist of relations of production and the means of production which shape the superstructure. The superstructure consist of the different institutions that maintain and legitimise the base. Together they make the mode of production.
Marx said the economic base is the real foundation on which legal and political superstructures arise and to which definite forms of social consciousness correspond. The economic base is the bedrock of society and all other institutions and process develop from it and are dependent upon it.
Explain alienation?
Alienation is the result of loss of control over our labour and its products and therefore our separation from our true nature. It exists in all class societies, because the owners control the production production process for their own needs.
Evaluate traditional Marxism ?
-Ve Doesn’t acknowledge social mobility- the fact that people can move social classes.
-Ve Economic determinism- economic factors aren’t the sole cause of everything in society. People have free will and can bring around change due to their conscious actions.
+Ve Reinforcing ideologies- creates class divide meaning people do jobs others don’t want to do
+Ve Highlights their is social class inequality and that the economy has a huge influence on this.
Althusser rejects Marx’s Base Vs superstructure model in favour of a more complex model, ‘structural determinism’, explain this model
It has 3 levels instead of two:
Economic level- activites that produce something to satisfy needs.
Political level- all forms of organisation
Ideological level- ways people see themselves and the world.
How is Althussers and Marx’s model different?
Marx’s has one way causality- the economic level determinism everything about the other two levels. Where as Althusser has partial independence from the economic level- the political and ideological level can affect what happens to the economy.
