Theory & Research Methods

• What are the two main types of theories discussed in sociology according to the study material?

  Consensus and conflict theories
• What do consensus theories emphasize about society?

  They emphasize shared interests and broad agreement on norms and values
• What is the main consensus theory mentioned in the study material?

  Functionalism
• Who developed the functionalist perspective in sociology?

  Emile Durkheim
• How does Durkheim compare society to a human body?

  He argues that society is made up of various institutions that function like organs
• What does Durkheim mean by social cohesion?


  It refers to the extent to which people are bound together in common purpose
• What is the consequence of too little social cohesion according to Durkheim?

  It leads to a selfish society where people do not look out for each other
• What happens if there is too much social control in society?

  It leads to oppression and tyranny
• What are the two stages of socialization according to functionalism?

  Primary socialization and secondary socialization
• What is primary socialization?

  Learning the particularistic values of family and community
• What is secondary socialization?

  Learning the universalistic values of wider society
• How does functionalism view social change?

  As a gradual process that happens naturally when consensus shifts
• Name one key functionalist mentioned in the study material.

  Talcott Parsons
• What is the concept of meritocracy in functionalism?

  People achieve their position in society through effort and ability
• What does the New Right theory combine?

  Neo-liberal economics with traditional conservative views
• What is a criticism of the New Right theory?

  It lacks objectivity and supports low taxes
• What do Marxists argue about consensus in society?

  They argue that society is built on fundamental conflicts
• What is the main focus of conflict theories?

  They see society as made up of groups with competing interests
• Who is the key figure associated with Marxism?

  Karl Marx
• What does Marx argue about the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?

  The bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat for profit
• What is surplus value according to Marx?

  It is the difference between the value produced by labor and the wages paid to workers
• How does Marx view capitalism?

  As a system that creates poverty and class conflict
• What is a key criticism of functionalism mentioned in the study material?

  It is too optimistic and idealistic
• What do postmodernists criticize about consensus and conflict theories?

  They criticize them for being structuralist and ignoring individual agency
• What are the key components of consensus theories?

  • Shared interests in society
  • Broad agreement on norms and values
  • Emphasis on social cohesion and control
• What are the key components of conflict theories?

  • Society divided by competing interests
  • Focus on social class and gender conflicts
  • Recognition of multiple forms of conflict
• What are the criticisms of consensus theories?

  • Conflict theories argue against the existence of consensus
  • Functionalism is seen as a ruling-class ideology
  • Idealistic view of society overlooks real conflicts
• What are the criticisms of the New Right theory?

  • Lacks objectivity and supports low taxation
  • Political position rather than a sociological theory
  • Can undermine social institutions and values
• What are the agents of socialization that create value consensus?

  • Families
  • Education
  • Media
  • Places of worship
• What is the exploitative nature of work in a capitalist society according to Marx?

  Workers are not paid the real value of their work.
• Who are the bourgeoisie in Marx's theory?

  The bourgeoisie are the ruling class who own the means of production.
• What is the role of the proletariat in a capitalist society?


  The proletariat is the working class employed to produce goods.
• How does Marx describe the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?

  It is an exploitative relationship where the bourgeoisie profits from the labor of the proletariat.
• What does Marx mean by "surplus value"?


  Surplus value is the difference between what workers are paid and the value of what they produce.
• According to Marx, what is the consequence of capitalism on the majority of people?

  Capitalism makes most people poor.
• What is the contradiction at the heart of capitalism mentioned by Marx?

  Workers are also customers, and making them poor leads to economic crises.
• What do traditional Marxists argue about the proletariat's acceptance of bourgeois rule?


  They argue that the proletariat often accepts bourgeois rule as normal or desirable.
• What is "class consciousness" according to Althusser?

  Class consciousness is being aware of one's social class and its treatment in society.
• What is "false class consciousness"?

  False class consciousness is when workers adopt the bourgeois ideology and misunderstand their position.
• What happens if the proletariat becomes class conscious?

  If class conscious, they may revolt or strike against the ruling class.