Theory: Structural Theories Flashcards
What are Structural Theories?
Macro, large scale and deterministic social theories.
How do Structural Theories see society?
As a real thing, existing over and above us, shaping our ideas and behaviour.
How do Structural Theories view the individual?
As puppets, manipulated by society. They believe that in order to understand people’s behaviour, we must first understand the social structure that shapes it.
What do structuralists argue the study of sociology should be about?
The overall structure of society; the social institutions that make up society and the relationships between these social institutions.
What is Positivism?
The belief that society can be studied like natural sciences.
What is a macro approach?
An approach which aims to focus on large numbers.
What is the top-down approach?
An approach concerned with the big picture.
What are the two main types of structuralism?
- Consensus Structuralism
- Conflict Structuralism
Consensus Structuralism
The idea that society works because of agreement.
Conflict Structuralism
The idea that society is underpinned by conflict.
Give two examples of Conflict Structuralism:
- Feminism
- Marxism
Give an example of Consensus Structuralism:
Functionalism
What makes Marxism a Conflict Structuralism view?
They believe economy drives society and determines social institutions. These institutions function for the needs of the bourgeois and will exploit workers. This exploitation means there is likely to be conflict.
What makes Functionalism a Consensus Structuralism view?
Sees society as an organism. Believe each social institution performs a function for the good of society. See society as harmonious and stable.
