Theory Key Terms Flashcards
Concept
An idea. Different theories tend to use different concepts or use the same concept in different way
Consensus
This is another word for agreement. Functionalists see society as based on an agreement, or consensus, about values
Macro-sociology
This is another term for the structural approach in sociology which involves looking at society as a whole and how different social institution combine to make a social structure
Organic Analogy
To help us understand how society develops and works, functionalists compare society too a body
Other
The process of defining yourself as what you are not, so men have an identity as ‘not feminine’
Patriarchy
Feminists use this term to refer to societies dominated by men and where women have little power
Socialisation
This is thee life-long process of learning the culture of society we live in
Theory
A theory is a set of ideas that seeks to explain why things are the way they are. Theories consist of a set of related concepts and to be taken seriously should be supported by evidence
Social policy
A plan or action that governments put into place to change or improve society
Functionalism
A view of society that requires the sociologist to consider how social institutions work for the benefit of society
Marxism
Analyses the impact of the ruling class on the labourers, leading to uneven distribution of wealth and privileges in the society
Feminism
A range of ideologies that aim to define and establish the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes
Interactionism
The way that we act or make conscious choices regarding our behaviour that proceed from how we interpret situations
Postmodernism
An approach that attempts to define how society has progressed to an era beyond modernity
The New Right
Believe that the welfare state policies that support relationships outside the conventional nuclear family undermine personal responsibility and create a dependency culture and social problems such as juvenile crime and anti-social behaviour
