theory Flashcards
structural theories
- society is made up of social institutions
- these institutions work together and support each other
- they take the view that society shapes the individual
- the individual has little ability to change their positions in society
action theories
- society is the product of many meanings
- the meanings that individual give to actions and behaviour shape society
- individuals can change society through small scale changes in society
- individuals are not passive but active in the social world
consensus theory
argue that the changes in society are positive. they also argue that people share a sense of what is right and wrong (consensus) and belonging to society.
conflict theory
regard society as unequal, resulting in the oppression of a particular group or groups. focus on power certain groups have over others
examples of conflict theories
marxism and feminism
example of consensus theory
functionalism
what is the ruling class called
bourgeoisie
what is the working class called
proletariat
what foes alienated mean
removed from their labour
some critics of marxism
society has changed- new laws to protect the poor also free healthcare, benefits etc
- post modernists claim that there’s more to identity than social class
- proof that people can change their social class there is social mobility
- feminists claim that marxists ignore the oppression of women
advantage of marxism
class is still very important in explaining inequality in society for example in determining success in education and at work
socialisation
the internalisation of norms and values
primary socialisation
Influential Socialisation that takes place (usually from parents) in the early years of life
secondary socialisation
Socialisation that comes in later life, from various sources such as the workplace and education
value Consensus
Where everyone agrees on what is important in a particular society
social solidarity
People feel connected through similar work, education, religious beliefs, lifestyle, etc.
anomie
A lack of the usual social and ethical standards in an individual or group
capitalism
An economic system focuses on making goods for a profit
communism
An equal society with shared ownership and no class system
Repressive state apparatus
Formal institutions ensuring people stay in their place in society, e.g. The police
Ideological state apparatus
Informal institutions that teach people their place in society, e.g. The church
False class consciousness
When the working class think they are succeeding but they are actually just doing what the ruling class want
culture
The learned, shared behaviour of members of a society
values
Ideas about how something should be, what’s important and right and wrong in a society
norms
Social expectations that guide behaviour
Ethnocentrism
Viewing ones culture as normal or even superior
Cultural relativism
Judging cultures based on their norms and standards
identity
Who you are and how you want people too see you
social identity
A person’s sense of who they are based on their group membership
