Theory and Methods

Question 1

What is social order?

Answer 1

Social order refers to a relatively stable state of society with some shared norms and values which establish orderly patterns that enable people to live together and relate to one another in every day life

Question 2

What is the main assumption of consensus theory?

Answer 2

It assumes that society is primarily harmonious.

Social order is maintained through widespread agreement between people on important goals, values and norms of society

Question 3

What is the main assumption of conflict theory?

Answer 3

It sees society as primarily conflict ridden and unstable and emphasises social differences and conflicts between groups

Question 4

What is the main concern of structuralism?

Answer 4

It is concerned with the overall structure of society and the way social institutions act as a constraint on or limit and control individual behaviour

Question 5

What are the 3 main features of structuralism?

Answer 5

• Individuals are seen as puppets
• The main purpose of sociology is to study the overall structure of society not the individual
  -Positivism is the main methodological approach

Question 6

What is the main assumption of functionalism?

Answer 6

It regards society as a stable, harmonious integrated social system, with social order and cohesion maintained by a fundamental value consensus

Question 7

Define functional prerequisites

Answer 7

Parsons defines it as the basic needs or requirements that must be met if society is to survive

Question 8

Who are the key/Main functionalists?

Answer 8

• Durkheim
• Parsons
• Merton

Question 9

What are Durkheim’s main assumptions?

Answer 9

• People are selfish
• Society will fall into chaos and disorder unless we learn to share some common values and show commitment to cooperation in society
• He placed great importance on the role of social institutions in socialising people into a collective conscience

Question 10

Define collective conscience

Answer 10

Shared beliefs and values which form moral ties binding communities together and which regulate individual behaviour

Question 11

What are Parson’s main assumptions?

Answer 11

• Emphasised on the importance of primary socialisation

Question 12

Define structural differentiation

Answer 12

Parsons defined it as the way new, more specialised social institutions emerge to take over functions that were once performed by a single institution

Question 13

How do functionalists view social change?

Answer 13

• Occurs when new functions emerge, or society needs to adapt
• They consider it a slow process of social evolution
• A change in one part of society will result in changes elsewhere

Question 14

What was Merton’s main theory

Answer 14

• Criticised Parsons for his assumption that all social institutions performed beneficial, positive functions for society and individuals
• In a highly complex interdependent social system, there is plenty of scope for things to go wrong

Question 15

Define dysfunction in terms of Merton’s theory

Answer 15

Some parts of social structure don’t work as intended and there can sometimes be negative consequences with harmful effects for society or for some individuals

Question 16

Define manifest functions

Answer 16

Intended and recognised consequences of an institution

Question 17

Define Latent functions

Answer 17

Unintended or unrecognised consequences of an institution

Question 18

What are 3 strengths of functionalist theory?

Answer 18

• It is a reasonably successful attempt to produce a general theory of the workings of society
• It recognises the importance of social structure in understanding society
• I t provides an explanation for social order and stability and why most people generally conform to the rule of social life

Question 19

State 3 limitations of functionalism

Answer 19

• Too deterministic
• It is a grand theory approach
• It fails to explain periods of rapid social change