theory

Question 1

structural theories

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

action theories

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

consensus theory

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

conflict theory

Answer 4

regard society as unequal, resulting in the oppression of a particular group or groups. focus on power certain groups have over others

Question 5

examples of conflict theories

Answer 5

marxism and feminism

Question 6

example of consensus theory

Answer 6

functionalism

Question 7

what is the ruling class called

Answer 7

bourgeoisie

Question 8

what is the working class called

Answer 8

proletariat

Question 9

what foes alienated mean

Answer 9

removed from their labour

Question 10

some critics of marxism

Answer 10

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

Question 11

advantage of marxism

Answer 11

class is still very important in explaining inequality in society for example in determining success in education and at work

Question 12

socialisation

Answer 12

the internalisation of norms and values

Question 13

primary socialisation

Answer 13

Influential Socialisation that takes place (usually from parents) in the early years of life

Question 14

secondary socialisation

Answer 14

Socialisation that comes in later life, from various sources such as the workplace and education

Question 15

value Consensus

Answer 15

Where everyone agrees on what is important in a particular society

Question 16

social solidarity

Answer 16

People feel connected through similar work, education, religious beliefs, lifestyle, etc.

Question 17

anomie

Answer 17

A lack of the usual social and ethical standards in an individual or group

Question 18

capitalism

Answer 18

An economic system focuses on making goods for a profit

Question 19

communism

Answer 19

An equal society with shared ownership and no class system

Question 20

Repressive state apparatus

Answer 20

Formal institutions ensuring people stay in their place in society, e.g. The police

Question 21

Ideological state apparatus

Answer 21

Informal institutions that teach people their place in society, e.g. The church

Question 22

False class consciousness

Answer 22

When the working class think they are succeeding but they are actually just doing what the ruling class want

Question 23

culture

Answer 23

The learned, shared behaviour of members of a society

Question 24

values

Answer 24

Ideas about how something should be, what’s important and right and wrong in a society

Question 25

norms

Answer 25

Social expectations that guide behaviour

Question 26

Ethnocentrism

Answer 26

Viewing ones culture as normal or even superior

Question 27

Cultural relativism

Answer 27

Judging cultures based on their norms and standards

Question 28

identity

Answer 28

Who you are and how you want people too see you

Question 29

social identity

Answer 29

A person’s sense of who they are based on their group membership