Conflict structuralism

• What do conflict structuralists believe about society?

  They believe that different parts of society clash due to conflicts of interest among groups.
• How do Marxists view capitalist society?

  They see it as having two classes with different needs: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
• What are the two classes identified by Marxism in capitalist society?

  The ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat).
• What does Marxism claim about the means of production?

  It claims that the means of production form the economic base of society, which determines the superstructure.
• What is economic determinism according to Marx?

  It is the idea that the economic base determines the structure of society, including institutions like religion and education.
• What is false consciousness in Marxist theory?

  It refers to the working class being unaware of their oppression and how to break free from it.
• What did Marx argue was necessary for the proletariat?

  He argued that revolution was necessary for them to realize their oppression and establish a socialist/communist society.
• What is the focus of Neo-Marxism?


  Neo-Marxism focuses on ideology and how it relates to social power dynamics.
• Who developed Humanistic Marxism?

  Gramsci developed Humanistic Marxism.
• What did Gramsci argue about ruling class ideology?

  He argued that it dominates society and is maintained through consent rather than coercion.
• What is the role of ideological state apparatuses (ISAs) according to Althusser?


  ISAs control the production of ideas and maintain the dominance of the ruling class.
• What are the three structures in society according to Althusser?

  Economic, political, and ideological structures.
• What is a criticism of Marxism regarding its structural focus?

  It is criticized for being deterministic and assuming oppression is inevitable until revolution occurs.
• How does traditional Marxism view everyday life?

  It views everyday life purely in terms of class conflict, sidelining ethnicity and gender.
• What evidence is used against Marxist theory regarding the fall of Communism?

  The fall of Communism in Eastern Europe is cited as evidence of flaws in Marxist theory.
• What did Weber criticize about Marxism?

  Weber criticized Marxism for focusing only on class conflict and ignoring other divisions like status and political groups.
• What do feminist theories aim to explain?

  They aim to explain the causes of gender inequalities in society.
• What do feminists believe about society?

  They believe society is patriarchal, run by and in the interests of men.
• What do feminists aim to unmask?

  They aim to unmask patriarchy and empower people to campaign against it.
• What do feminists criticize about traditional sociology?

  They criticize it for being patriarchal and ignoring issues like domestic violence and gender inequalities.
• What are the different strands of feminism?

  They include liberal feminism, radical feminism, and Marxist feminism.
• What do liberal feminists advocate for?

  They advocate for equal rights for women through existing power structures.
• What is an example of a law that liberal feminists support?

  The Equal Pay Act (1970) is an example of a law they support.
• What do radical feminists argue about society?

  They argue that society's structure is based on the oppression of women and requires revolutionary change.
• Who argued that patriarchy is the most fundamental form of inequality?

  Kate Millett argued that patriarchy is the most fundamental form of inequality.
• What did Millett say about sexual politics?

  She said that sexual politics is the power dynamics that keep women in subordinate roles.
• How do Marxist feminists view capitalism?

  They view capitalism as benefiting from the exploitation of women.
• What do Marxist feminists claim about women's roles in families?

  They claim that women take care of homes and raise children for free, benefiting capitalism.
• What did Ansley argue about women's emotional labor?

  Ansley argued that women bear the brunt of their husbands' frustrations, which would otherwise be directed at their capitalist employers.
• What are the main differences between the strands of feminism?

  • Liberal Feminism: Advocates for equal rights through existing structures.
  • Radical Feminism: Seeks revolutionary change to eliminate patriarchy.
  • Marxist Feminism: Focuses on the intersection of capitalism and gender oppression.
• What are the criticisms of Marxism and its focus on structure?

  • Deterministic view of oppression as inevitable.
  • Overemphasis on class conflict, sidelining ethnicity and gender.
  • Evidence from the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe.
• What are the key ideas of Neo-Marxism?

  • Focus on ideology and its role in maintaining power.
  • Importance of intellectual rise and proletarian hegemony.
  • Critique of traditional Marxism's economic determinism.