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.
What is symbolic interactionism
It is a theory that focuses on how individuals interact. It argues that peoples actions are based on meanings they assign to things, which can differ depending on the person and can change over time.
How is language apart of symbolic interactionism
It allows us to interact with the world based on expected norms and values
How does symbols link to symbolic interactionism
It can help with social cohesion.
How does symbolic interactionism shape identity, social roles and interactions
It highlights how people use symbols, gesture and language to express themselves, interpret others behaviours, and explore social bonds
Strengths of symbolic interactionism
It emphasises the unique experiences of individuals due to the significance of language and symbols in shaping interactions and it focuses it on a micro social level.
It explores how people actively construct and negotiate their social reality through interactions. This perspective allows people to develop a shared meaning, create identities and adapt to social contexts
Weaknesses of symbolic interactionism
Since it only looks it micro; it may overlook the impact of larger social structures and systems.
It may be seen as it is overlooking the influence of power dynamics and inequalities on individuals reaction.
What is Marxism
Marxism is a theory that believes that the capitalist society is based on the inequalities between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat
What type of theory is Marxism
Structure and conflict
What was Marxists idea of means of production
He believed that the ruling classes owned all the resources of society, whereas the subject class have the work for them
Strengths of Marxism
It explains the nature of class inequalities.
It explains the way society is organised under capitalism and recognised the power of interests of different groups (bourgeoisie want to control the wages so that they don’t go above them and this affects people’s life chances and quality)
It explains how conflict can ruin society by creating inequalities and how change can prevent this from happening.
What is neomarxism
Neomarxism is based off of Karl’s ideas but it is modelled to understand modern society and global issues. It focuses on how capitalism impacts things like culture, society and the role of power and the domination in shaping society
How is neomarxism and Marxism similar
They both focus on the analysing society through the lens of power, class and social relation. They both seek how economic factors, such as capitalism, influence different aspects of society, including culture, politics and social structures.
How do Marxism and neo Marxism differ?
Marxism primarily focuses on the economic and class struggle, whereas neomarxism expand to include other forms of oppression such as those related to race, gender and culture. Neomarxism also considers how modern societies impact various aspects of life beyond this economy.
What are weaknesses of Marxism
It oversimplifies complex social phenomena by only looking at economic factors.
It doesn’t look at the roles of culture, race, gender and identity which could be oppressed in the work place.
Another weakness is that the expected revolution that Karl wanted to happen, never went ahead. Therefore, this makes people challenge the idea of Karl’s idea that we do live in a fully capitalist society
What is the difference between symbolic interactionism and weberian theory
Symbolic interactionism is centred on how individual make meanings to their social actions through interaction.
For example, a person interprets a smile from a friends as a sign of encouragement, which may influence their decisions to pursue a challenging task. Or a hand shake is a symbol of trust or an agreement which could suggest a deal has been made. While social action focuses on how these individual actions contribute to larger societal constructs.
For example, the actions of political leaders, business owners and community activists can impact laws, economic systems and cultural norms for the whole society.
