Sociological theories

• What are the main sociological theories mentioned in the study material?

  Functionalism, Marxism, Interactionism, Feminism, New Right, and Postmodernism
• What does functionalism say about the individual and society?

  Functionalism states that the individual is the product of society.
• Who is a key figure associated with functionalism?

  Emile Durkheim
• What is the main focus of functionalism?

  Functionalism focuses on how various institutions in society work and their effects on individuals.
• What are some functions of key institutions according to functionalism?

  • The Family: Socializing children
  • Education: Preparing young people for adult society
  • Religion: Uniting society through shared beliefs
• What do functionalists believe about the structure of society?

  Functionalists believe that society is structured to function harmoniously.
• What is a criticism of functionalism from interactionists?

  Interactionists believe that functionalists do not focus enough on the individual.
• What do Marxists argue against functionalism?

  Marxists argue that functionalism ignores the unequal power of some groups.
• What does Marxism say about the individual and economic forces?


  Marxism states that the individual is the product of economic forces.
• Who is the key figure associated with Marxism?

  Karl Marx
• What is the relationship between infrastructure and superstructure in Marxism?

  Marx believed that a society's economic system (infrastructure) influences non-economic institutions (superstructure).
• What do Marxists believe is the most important force in society?

  Marxists believe that class conflict is the most important force in society.
• What do Marxists say about workers in capitalist societies?

  Marxists say that workers are employed to produce goods sold for profit, with most profits kept by employers.
• What do Marxists believe about the capitalist system and worker awareness?

  Marxists believe that the capitalist system shapes the superstructure to prevent workers from noticing their exploitation.
• How do Marxists view institutions like family, education, and religion?

  Marxists view these institutions as part of the superstructure that leads individuals to accept inequalities of capitalism.
• What are the two classes in Marxist theory?

  The bourgeoisie (ruling class) and the proletariat (working class)
• What do neo-Marxists focus on?

  Neo-Marxists focus on ideology and how it is communicated and enforced by the ruling class.
• What is a criticism of Marxism from functionalists?

  Functionalists argue that Marx puts too much emphasis on economic structures in shaping ideas and beliefs.
• What do interactionists criticize about Marxism?

  Interactionists argue that Marx places too much emphasis on class and not enough on individuals.
• What do postmodernists say about social class?

  Postmodernists say that social class no longer has a significant influence on individual identity.
• What do feminists believe about society?

  Feminists believe that society is patriarchal and that it operates in men's best interests.
• What are the main strands of feminism mentioned in the study material?

  • Liberal Feminism: Advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women.
  • Radical Feminism: Believes society is structured to oppress women and needs fundamental change.
  • Marxist Feminism: Combines Marxism and feminism, arguing women are exploited in capitalist societies.
• What do liberal feminists believe is the best way to achieve equality?

  Liberal feminists believe that introducing more opportunities for women into existing structures is the best way to achieve equality.
• What do radical feminists believe about power dynamics in society?

  Radical feminists believe there is an imbalance of power in all relationships, with women oppressed by men.
• How do Marxist feminists view the relationship between capitalism and gender?


  Marxist feminists believe that women are exploited by capitalist societies run by men.
• What do interactionists emphasize in their theories?

  Interactionists emphasize the behavior and interaction of individuals in determining how society works.
• What is the main idea behind action theories?

  Action theories emphasize the actions of individuals rather than structural factors.
• How do interactionists view social structures?

  Interactionists believe that individuals respond to social structures in their own way and have free will.
• What example illustrates individual choice leading to social change?

  Some women deciding to work outside the home led to men taking on more childcare and housework roles.
• What do Marxists criticize about interactionist theories?

  Marxists criticize interactionists for not paying enough attention to conflict and power dynamics.
• What do functionalists criticize about interactionist theories?

  Functionalists criticize interactionists for not acknowledging the importance of the socialization process.
• What are the main ideas of the different sociological theories summarized in the study material?

  • Functionalism: Society is made up of different institutions that function together as a whole.
  • Marxism: Society is split into two classes; the ruling class oppresses and exploits the working class.
  • Feminism: Society is patriarchal, and women have fewer rights and opportunities than men.
  • Interactionism: The behavior of and interaction between individuals determine how society works.
• What do New Right sociologists believe about traditional values?

  New Right sociologists believe that traditional values and institutions are important for maintaining social order.
• What do New Right theorists argue about the nuclear family?

  New Right theorists argue that the nuclear family is one of the most important social institutions.
• What do Charles Murray and New Right sociologists say about the traditional family?

  Charles Murray and New Right sociologists say that the traditional family is under threat, leading to a decline in moral standards.
• How do feminists view the New Right's ideas about traditional family roles?

  Feminists criticize the New Right's ideas as oppressive to women and reinforcing a patriarchal society.
• What do postmodernists say about society's structure compared to modernism?

  Postmodernists say that society is more flexible and diverse, moving away from the rigid structures of modernism.
• What do postmodernists think about metanarratives?

  Postmodernists believe that metanarratives are no longer appropriate and that there are many ways to understand society.
• What do functionalists criticize about postmodernism?

  Functionalists criticize postmodernism for ignoring the role of institutions in society.
• What do interactionists criticize about postmodernism?


  Interactionists criticize postmodernism for ignoring how individuals interact with each other.