Theories And Studies Flashcards
What is functionalism
It is the perspective that sees society as a complex yet orderly system that works together through institutions which creates stability and social order.
Strengths of functionalism
It highlights how different parts of society work together to maintain stability and order. (For example crime)
It focuses on the interconnectedness of social institutions and their roles in maintaining social equilibrium.
It provides a macro level view of society, allowing the study of large scale social structures and their functions.
Weaknesses of functionalism
It overlooks issues such as conflict and inequality within society. It only focuses on stability and order but neglects struggle that exists.
It oversimplifies complex social dynamics by assuming that all parts of society function harmoniously and equally contribute to the well being of the whole. It may not fully accept power struggles within society
What type of theory is functionalism
Structural theory
Consensus theory
What is Weberian theory/social action theory
It believes that society is a construction of interactions and meanings given to its members.
It explains human behaviour at a microscopic level. Social action is an action to which an individual attaches meaning
What type of theory is weberism
Action theory
What did max Weber believe?
(Not vershten)
He believed that people had free will and play a part despite, gender, class position or social roles.
He believed that peoples actions are motivated by things such as achieving goals and, taking account of the circumstances they are in. Social structures are an outcome of action
What concept did max weber use?
He used “verstehen” which means understanding. He believed that this technique would help gain understand the motivations of peoples actions. By being able to put ourselves in the positions of others; we can understand them better; therefore making us to do certain actions
What did Weber study
He studied the underlying motives behind actions and that people acted in different ways at different times in history and were characterised by this action
Value- rational action (action based on a commitment to a set of personal values or beliefs)
Rationally purposeful action ( goal orientated that occurs out of a rational decision making)
Affective action (actions based on emotions rather than rationally)
Traditional action ( action based on ritual, tradition and cultural norms)
Strengths of weberism
Weber looked beyond the individual level of analysis when studying social action. (He considered broader social structures, institutions, and cultural systems in addition to individual behaviour and actions)
It is commonly held that his approach provided a bridge between structural and action perspectives
Weaknesses or weberism
Due to it being based on meanings, intentions behind the actions of themselves or others, it may be viewed as common sense.
Detailed information gained from individuals point of view may be difficult to analyse and generalise society as a whole
What is feminism
Feminism focuses on gender inequality as they believe that the patriarchy are in charge of society which is run by men
Key features of feminism
It challenges gender roles and stereotypes while also advocating for women’s rights.
It aims to address and eliminate gender based discrimination and oppression in various parts of society
Strengths of feminism
It gives women a voice and has changed a lot of positions for women in the legal system.
It balanced malestream sociology by adding a female perspective.
It attempts to make society more equal and fair so that no one is being discriminated against.
Weaknesses of feminism
It ignores wider factors such as social class.
It ignores categories such as ethnicity which is another reason why certain people, women in particular, are more discriminated against than others.
It overlooks the oppression and masculine stereotype that men have to look up to so forgets that men aren’t living in an equal society either.
