theory and methods Flashcards
structuralism
an approach focusing on the large scale social structures in which people play defined roles
macro/micro approaches
macro approaches focus on the large scale of whole societies micro approaches on small scale social interactions
interpretivism
approaches that start at a level of the individual focusing on the small scale phenomena and usually favoring qualitative methods
causation
where a strict link can be proved between variables in a time sequence such as heating water to 100 degrees causes it to boil. causation is hard to find in sociology
correlation
when two variables are related to each other but causation cannot be proved for example ill health is related to poverty.
identity
how a person sees themselves and how others see them for example as a girl and a student
consensus
basic agreement on a set of shared values
conflict
disagreement between groups with different interests
functionalism
functionalists perceive human society as being like the human body each part of society is seen as having functions that all help the society.
Marxism
Marxism is a perspective that argues that modern industrial societies are based on a fundamental conflict between different social classes. Marxist argue that there is a permanent and continuous conflict of interest between social classes.
bourgeoise
the owners of wealth and property. The bourgeoise have power and wealth and exploits and oppresses the proletariats
proletariat
are the working class who are the “wage slaves” this means the proletariat have to work if they are to survive.
functionalist say
they look at parts of society and see how they keep society stable and harmonious
Marxists say
they see how they allow the bourgeoise to keep their wealth and power
