Theories Overview

Question 1

FUNCTIONALISM

What type of theory is functionalism? (3)

Summary of functionalism?

Answer 1

1) Macro / structuralist / consensus theory.

2) Functionalists use organic analogy to explain society - society is like the human body.

Question 2

FUNCTIONALISM

Strengths of functionalism? (2)

Weaknesses of functionalism? (2)

Answer 2

1)
- highlights benefits in society
- looks at society as a whole

2)
- ignores conflict + division
- interpretivists will criticise due to no focus on individuals

Question 3

MARXISM

Type of theory? (2)

Summary of theory?

Answer 3

1) structuralist / conflict theory

2) Marxists believe that capitalist theory works for the good of the upper class.

• Believe W.C. are oppressed + exploited by R.C.
• Believe society should be equal

Question 4

MARXISM

Strengths of Marxism? (2)

Weakness of Marxism? (2)

Answer 4

1)
- highlights class inequality in society.
- highlights how the R.C. brainwash the W.C.

2)
- communists society (what marxists want) creates a dictatorship.
- fails to consider individuals.

Question 5

FEMINISM

Type of theory? (2)

Summary of theory?

What are the 4 types of feminists?

Answer 5

1) Structuralist / Conflict

2) Believe society is patriarchal.

• Feminists believe patriarchy exists in all social institutions - results in gender equality. Men oppress women in multiple ways.
• Feminists fight for rights + equality.

3)
- Radical
- Liberal
- Marxist
- Cultural

Question 6

FEMINISM

Strengths? (2)

Weaknesses? (2)

Answer 6

1)
- Feminists highlight the continuing gender issues.
- Radicals (extremists) are needed to make progressive laws.

2)
- Radicals can be too extreme.
- Marxists would say they’re ignoring the class issue.

Question 7

INTERACTIONALISM

Type of theory? (1)

Summary of theory?

Answer 7

1) Micro theory.

2) Interactionalists are concerned with interactions between people.

• Social action: believes social action should be the focus of sociology.
• Self concepts: people’s image of themselves emerge through interactions with others.
• Negotiation + roles: roles exist within society but they’re not provided by the social system.

Question 8

INTERACTIONALISM

Strengths? (2)

Weaknesses? (2)

Answer 8

1)
- Highlights individuality in society.
- Looks at the “why?”

2)
- Time-consuming + expensive to observe.
- Not a variety of opinions.

Question 9

POST MODERNISM

Type of theory? (2)

Summary of theory?

Answer 9

1) Micro / Interpretivists

2)
- Globalisation + new media has moved us into a post modern world.
- Media distorts the way we see the world (hyper-reality).

Question 10

POST MODERNISM

Strengths? (2)

Weaknesses? (2)

Answer 10

1)
- Individuals are not restrained by an identity.
- Highlights the affect of media.

2)
- No structure / order (highly chaotic)
- Everyone’s truth is equal (who’s right? who’s wrong?)