Theory And Methods Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What is radical feminism?

A

They regard patriarchy as most fundamental form of inequality, the world is divide into to 2 “sex classes” or men and women.

Men dominate and control women in all areas of society both public and private. Irrespective of their social class or ethnicity all men seem as the enemy who oppress women through violence and fear and make them sex objects for their own pleasure

Eg 2018 world health organisation estimates 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced some form of partner/non partner violence in their lifetime

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are some solutions for radical feminists

A

Advocate for complete destruction of patriarchy including carrying out childbirth independent from men.

They believed in seperatism (living apart from males, consciousness raising (reclaiming power through shared experiences. And political lesbianism (avoiding heterosexual relationships**

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What do Marxist feminist believe

A

Gender inequality primarily arises from nature of capitalist society rather than independent system of patriarchy. Captalism intensifes patricahoal inequalities in pursuit of its own intrests

Women used as cheap labour force and reserve army of Labour that can be sacked and re hired depending on the economy, can also perform free unpaid domestic labour and childcare

Women’s expressive world is to absorb men’s anger and frustration at exploration at work keeping captalist stable (Ansley safety valve)

As capitalism is root cause of inequality improving women’s position involves fundamental changes in capitalism and class inequality rather than Separating them from men

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is a critism of Marxist feminism

A

Doesn’t explain womens subordination in communist countries so must be more than capatslim

Other types of feminist say we need to look at everyone not jusy capatlism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What do liberal feminist believe

A

Women’s inequality arises primarily from factors like sexist stereotyping, gender role socialisation and sex discrimination through phrased laws and opportunities

This gives women lack of opportunities and keeps them in lower-paid lower status occupations eg in 2022 only 25% of women were breadwinners of households

Gender equality can only be achieved through legal, economic and social reform allowing women to take part in wider society

For example: 2010 equality act, 1970 equal pay act

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is an example of a radical feminist

A

Andrea Dworkin, she says marriage developed from rape as a practice as marriage takes ownsership of someone like old definitions of rape

Could link to political lesbianism or seperatsim

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are 2 liberal feminists

A

Jenny Sommerville: she says feminist have failed to acknowledged progress that has been made like laws for paid work and their improved social postion mean they can leave men in a relationship

Anne Oakley: did studies on domestic labour and found only 15% of men participated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is difference (post modern feminism)

A

It includes black feminism which emerged over fears feminism focused too much on subordination of white middle class women.

Difference feminism emphasise all women suffer same problems not all women are in same position, oppression can take diverse forms in diff context and in diff social groups eg some may face mutiple opression like homophobia, racism and patriarchy

This is particularly true in postmodern societies where structures like gender, class and ethnicity are weakened and people “pick n mix” identities and lifestyles in a media saturated consumer society

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is a critique of difference feminism

A

While it does recognise women are not homogenous groups with own experiences of oppression some would argue this divides the feminism movement in pushing for change making it less effective in liberation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is durkheims theory of functionalism?

A

Suggesting society would fall into chaos unless they shared imminent values and co-operation in society. Places great importance on role of social institutions like family and education

These socialise people into the collective consciousness (set of shared beliefs and values as underlying force within society) this then creates social solidarity (emphasise interdependent between individuals)

This then means in situations can act as sources of social control to maintain order and prevent deviance creating stability and harmony

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is parsons functionalist theory of prerequisites and structural differentiation?

A

Idea that soxisty has basic requirements that must be met for society to survive. Include food, care of young and socialisation of new generation into society, institutions like family, education and workplace satisfy these needs and work togther to benefit society

Also noted how societies become more complex and had idea of structural differentiation explaining how modern societies are becoming more specialised, and new institutions perform new or old functions eg NHS replace monasteries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is Parsons GAIL model

A

In order to survive in healthy state societies have to satisfy 4 functional prerequisites which is met by GAIL model:

  • Adaptation: adapting to environment providing basic material necessities for existing sand recourses to active societies goals done through economy, factories and shops eg climate change=renewables
  • intergration: coordinating All parts of system to achieve shared goals through socialisation into shared beliefs, promotes social harmony and control and prevents deviance eg media, education socialise and CJS restrict deviance

Also goal attainment and Latency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What would be critism of Durkheim and parsons

A

Durkheim: Merton would say is institutions have latent functions (unintended consequences) and don’t all work in harmony eg family socialises but also can abuse and neglect

Parsons: postmodernist would say this is outdated as we now have our own meta narratives and don’t shared functional prerequisites or have intergrated system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What does Marx say about classixal Marxism

A

Marx believed economy was driving source in society and was divided into two parts superstructure: not to do with production eg education or media which maintains base: the things related to production eg factories

He argues Labour is the source of wealth and after industrialising two classes emerged bourgeoise who own means of production and proletariat who sell labour as a commodity (wage Labour)

Filing class can decide superstructure of society to protect wealthy minority creating “false class consciousness”misleading them about nature of their class existence

Marx also believed Revolution would happen when workers achieved class consciousness and overthrow bourgeoise, then own means of production creating communism

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is althussers theory of structural Marxism

A

Structural marxist see social structures shape society and not individuals

Althusser rejects economic determinism and humanism of Marxism and says structure of capitalism more complex as it has 3 levels

  • economic level: means of producing to satisfy society
  • political level: all forms of organisation
  • ideological level: ways ppl see themsleves and world

Says political and ideological levels have relative autonomy from economic level but can also effect what happens in economy. So there 2 way causality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the two different apparatuses in althussers theory?

A

Repressive state apparatus (RSA): enforce behaviour directly like police or CJS so force can force u to behave

Ideological state apparatus: institutions that spread bourgeoise ideology and ensure proletariat is in state of false class consciousness eg media or education

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Neo Marxist humanist Marxism-Gramsci and how do bourgeoise maintain power

A

Gramsci rejected economic determinism of classical Marxism as economic conditions alone wont make communism ideology plays bigger role

Bourgeoise maintain power in 2 ways:

  • coercion: army, police CJS to accept rule
  • consent (hegemony): ideas and values persuade ppl their rule is legitimate

In advanced capitalist societies they rely on consent cause they control institutions like media and education so Revolution can’t happen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why can ruling class hegemony never be complete according to Gramsci?

A
  • Ruling class is minority: have to create power by allying with groups like middle class
  • proletariat have dual consciousness: influenced by bourgeoise ideas but also
    Material confirms so can see through ideology eg British train strikes

So ruling class ideology can be undermined in times of economic crisis makes ppl question status quo

But working class can only do this by creating organic intellectuals (ppl who challenge dominant ideology) creating a counter hegemony offering new idea of socialist society

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is Webers social action theory?

A

Introduced idea of verstrhen emphasising putting sociologist in position of those they studying

Weber rejects determinism of structural theorist but also people not entirely free to behave how they wish and somewhat restricted by structures of inequality

Instead class and status shape peoples lives and their choices available. And says understanding of structure and action approaches needed to understand society analysing social factors (level of cause) and subjective meanings to beh (level of meaning)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are are two types of subjective meanings people give to their actions (Weber)

A
  • traditional action: customary, routine actions without need for rational thought
  • effectual action: action thay expresses emotion eg protesting in Ager or crying out in grief eg political and religion use emotional appeals to invoke action from followed

However too simplistic as something like giving gifts at Christmas can be affectionate and traditional action

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is meads symbol vs instincts theory?

A

Unlike animals out beh isn’t fixed and instinctual. We respond to world by guiding meanings to things significant to us and attaching symbols to them

These develop work interaction with others and can change in place and time and between people

People interpret meanings of others by imaging themsleves in their position called role-taking so we need to see ourselves as other see us so we develop concept of self

Eg language or red means stop

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is ❌ of meads symbol vs instincts theory?

A

Functionalist day for majority to abide by symbols and rules there must be collective consciousness of norms and values so must be structural factors, it overemphasises individual

23
Q

What is Beckers labelling theory?

A

Labelling: behaviour is heavily influenced by what people label it as

Self fulfilling prophecy: when someone is labelling they act in way that fits it so label comes true

looking gksss self: Cooley says we develop self concept by taking on role of others, others act as mirror so we can see ourselves in way they respond to use leading to SFP (link to pygmalion effect)

Career: stages through individuals progress their label eg deviant career

Overall it’s useful for many things and theories in areas like education, crime

24
Q

What is collapse of metamarratives according to who? And also hybridity

A

Lyotard says: Large theories or grand explanations like science or religion don’t work. There isn’t universal truth but multiple competing explanations. Truths aren’t absolute but relative and judged on usefulness to individuals

Hybridity: Breakdown of universal truths led to pick and mix culture, ppl combined diff systems to create own life’s and identities in religion, youth and music

Could be linked to ledgers spiritual shopping

25
Q

What does baudrillard say about postmodernity

A

Everything is fluid and fragmented, individuals free to construct own identity, examines way ppl build identity out of products they consume due to media association

Also says society is consumed by the media and key characteristic is production/consumption of signs in media. Often these not based upon existing thing called simulacra and in recent years these can end up being real eg Disney castle

So hard to define where media and reality end and media has become “hyper-real” meaning we can’t distinguish it from reality eg reality shows like only way is Essex

26
Q

How has globalisation lead to postmodernity

A

Tech, economic, political and cultural changes have all lead to globalisation and we all line i a “global village” which traditional theories can’t explain eg glocal crimes or new family types

We are now effected by actions in far off countries, negative aspects of this is cultural homogenisation where everything is the same eg McDonald’s everywhere

27
Q

What are strengths of weaknesses of postmodernist theory

A

Useful to challenge ideas and assumptions about society and theories like media and sexuality

Can account for changes in society like globalisation which classical theories can’t

However, things like collapse of meta narratives generalisation and is postmodernism not just a meta narrative?

Not everyone free to create own identity eg in fundamentalist Iran women have to dress up

28
Q

What is becks late modern theory of risk society?

A

Todays late modern risk society faces new dangers, (before couldn’t control stuff like famine) like global warming cause by humans

Also period of individualisation where we become more reflexive (free to pursue own goals) and tradition doesn’t govern us. So we now gotta think for ourselves and consequences of our actions taking into account risks

Beck refers to this as reflective modernisation (society changed but not totally transformed)

Now risk consciousness central to our culture as we aware of perceived risk and minimise them but lots of info about risk come from media whidjbdistirts them

Still believes rational movements like political action of environentallism can challenge tech development

29
Q

When was cannabis changed from class C to class B drug?

A

2008 cause governor wanted to take into consideration public perception, health of children and pressures of police despite wishes of scientists

30
Q

What does toynbee say about prison and social policy)

A

Little evidence it cuts crime and works and not worth taxes

Despite this politicians call for more police and prisons cause it’s popular

31
Q

What are the factors that affect sociologist influence on social policy

A
  • electoral popularity
  • intrest groups
  • ideological and policy preferences of government
  • globalisation
  • critical sociology
  • cost
  • funding sources
32
Q

What is positivist and functionalist views of social policy

A

Sociology is science so can discover social policy science to them

  • state produces and implements social policy maintaining value consesus
  • sociologist role is to provide state with objective, scientific info like medical researcher
33
Q

What is social democratic perspective of policy?

A
  • favour major redistribution of wealth and income from rich to poor
  • black report 1980 recommend policies like free school meals but thatcher
34
Q

What is feminist view of social policy

A

Most social policy serves to maintain patriarchal control eg tax benefits to married couples

  • positive impact on policy eg teachers avoid bias or policy to help women 1970 equal pay act
  • radical ideas like seperatism has led to policies for women refuge centres escaping domestic violence
35
Q

What is the new rigjt persepctive of social policy

A

State should have minimal involvement

Oppose welfare to deal with problems

Murray say befirst act as ‘perverse incentives’ reinforcing Dependancy culture creating single parent families

Prefer a count ability policies like child support act 1991 makes parents pay to child rather than state

36
Q

What are some theoretical issues

A

Reliablity
Validity
Representative
Subjective
Objective
Value free
Value laden
Macro, micro
Hawthorne effect

37
Q

What are some practical issues

A

Funding bodies
Access
Time and money
Subject matter
Researcher opportunities
Researcher bias/knowledge

38
Q

What do positivist do and say

A

Society has objective reality

Concern themsleves with macro

Use Quantative data t

Prefer structured research methods producing reliable data

Use deductive logic to determine patterns of behaviour

39
Q

What do interpretivist do and say

A

Social reality is contracted through meanings and interactions

Concern themselves with micro

Use qualitative data to uncover meaning people assign to interactions

Seek to discover subjective understanding

Prefer valid research methods eg unstructured interviews

Use inductive logic to study people’s interactions

40
Q

What methodology and results of durkheims suicide study

A

He used comparative method: conpared diff sources of data to identify patterns and differences between factors

Official statistics: compared 11 different European countries and diffs between social groups in each country

He found: suicide wasn’t random act but part of wider social factors

Suicide higher among Protestant countires than catholic ones (sudicide a sin in Catholicism)

And married people less likely than single ppl to commit suicide

41
Q

What is a critism of durkheims suicide study?

A

Halbwachs says Durkheim overemphasised influence religion has over suicide and it’s more about rural or urban areas

42
Q

What is interpretivist Douglas study in sufficed

A

Interested in roles and actions of concerned parties of suicide like family, friends or coroner and how they use qualitative data to come to conclusion

He says there is need to categorise suicide to social meaning cause responses are diff in diff countries

His methodology said suicide stats are socially constructed between negotiations of different parties

So he used qualitative anyalsis of each Sucide with interviews, reading diaries, investigating mental and physical health and circumstances leading up to death

43
Q

What did Durkheim argue the two social facts determining suicide were

A

Social intergration: how much individual experiences sense of belonging to group

Moral regulation: extent individuals actions and desires are kept in check by norms and values and without regulation one’s desires are infinite

44
Q

How does Weber argue sociology should be value free

A

He said values do influence rewatch we choose to conduct like feminist value gender equality whixh impacts what they study

But when we start our research we gotta be as value free as possible eg don’t ask leading questions then just test hypothesis must be tested against what they found

But when interpreting data values should become important as they have theoretical framework to conduct research. Also must make clear to critics what are perspectives are so they can challenge

45
Q

How does Gomm argue sociology shoudlnt be value free

A

Sociologist react to political, economic and social events. This is dependent on power of groups to define reality and they determine what is worthy of research. Also important to look at what sociologist don’t research

Social research has social and moral implications so sociology has inevitable political nature and trying to divorce from that is evasion of responsibility

So when try to become value free they are merely adopting new set of values

46
Q

How does callenders uni finding research support Gomm

A

Callenders research funded by govemrnt who found top up funds would cause inequality

It wasn’t published until legislation was passed

Shows when trying to be value free only adopting new values

47
Q

What does Becker say about no value freedom

A

Becker says all knowledge is political, serves some groups at expense of others. Sociologist should choose a side who Becker would recommend as the disadvantaged

Supported by Goffman metal asylum research as he took side of patient over institutions to fully understand their behaviour

48
Q

How does Goldner critique Becker and not being value free

A

Goldner claims Becker had a romantic approach to disadvantaged groups as blindly focuses on underdog

Goldner takes Marxist perspectives and says u should support oppressed

49
Q

How do positivist say sociology is a science

A

Comte and Durkheim agrue it’s desirable to apply science logic to study of society to bring objective knowledge. They say positivist can discover patterns and laws through inductive reasoning by collecting data about the world through careful measurement and observation

Sociology is science cause: general laws can be discovered about society and a fact can be linked to another

Positivist faviur macro apporaich and so structured can be seen as social facts that shape behaviour

Use quantitative methods which create reliable data which can be verified

All research should be value free and objective

50
Q

What do interpretivist say about sociology not being a science

A

Sociology should not model its word in natural sciences as there no facts waiting to be discovered, understanding of sociology

Only comes from interpretation of meanings and motives of ppl involved

Eg Douglas suicide study or Oakley interviews

However goes too far in opposite direction and ignores useful role Quantative data plays in research

51
Q

What does Karl popper say about how sociology should be a science but isn’t

A

Also said sociology should be a science but it’s an inductive rather than deductive methodology, scientist should make precise predictions on basis of theories to falsify them which popper rejected many sociology theories for not being

He uses example of “all swans are white” which we cannot prove as existence of one black swan disproves it so we can never prove something

So sociology is unscientific as CANT priduve hypothesis that can be falsified and has untestable ideas

W

52
Q

What is strength and weakness of popper theoryn

A

Highlights how much of sociology is just ideas like marxism saying there will be a revolution

But neglects valuable ideas that may be testable at some point

53
Q

What is Kuhns views of sociology being a science?

A

Shared view that it can’t be cause of paradigms (shared framework of scientific community) science cannot exist without it. Scientist agree on basics and try to solve puzzles it presents but if anomalies occur ppl lose faith in it

This can create a scientific Revolution as a new paradigm gets replaced allowing normal science to resume

Khun differs to popper who views science as open and falsifiable, Kuhn sees it as not open, conforming to paradigm

Sociology can be said to be pre-paradigmatic and so not scientific as there no shared paradigm

Postmodernist would argue paradigm not valuable as it just another meta narrative

54
Q

Why do realists think sociology is a science?

A

Keat and Urry say sociology can be a science cause there are underlying structures and mechanisms to both

  • open systems: researches cannot control or precisely measure all variables eg meteorology is same as sociology
  • Closed systems: researches can control and measure all relevant variables and can make predictive outcomes eg lab experiments

So sociology can be open system science