Theory

• 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?

  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
• Who are some key functionalists mentioned in the study material?

  Talcott Parsons, Davis and Moore, Young and Wilmott, Robert Merton, Walt Rostow
• What is the concept of meritocracy in functionalism?

  It is the idea that people achieve their position in society through effort and ability
• What does the New Right theory combine?

  Neo-liberal economics with traditional conservative views on social issues
• How does the New Right view the breakdown of consensus in society?

  They argue that it has led to dysfunction in society
• What do New Right theorists argue about welfare policies?

  They argue that welfare policies undermine key institutions that create value consensus
• What is Charles Murray's argument regarding lone-parent families?

  He argues that they lead to inadequate socialization, particularly for boys
• How did New Right ideas influence modern conservatism?

  They were instrumental in changing modern conservatism in the 1970s
• What do agents of socialization include according to the study material?

  Families, education, media, and places of worship
• What is the main criticism of consensus theories from conflict theories?

  They argue that society is built on fundamental conflicts, not consensus
• What do Marxists argue about functionalism?

  They argue it is a ruling-class ideology designed to maintain the status quo
• What is a specific criticism of functionalism mentioned in the study material?

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

  They criticize them for being structuralist theories that ignore individual agency
• What are the two main conflict theories studied in sociology?

  Marxism and feminism
• What is the focus of Marxism in sociology?

  It critiques capitalism and highlights class conflict
• What did Marx observe about capitalism during his lifetime?

  It created both industrial development and unprecedented poverty
• What is the exploitative nature of work in a capitalist society according to Marx?

  Workers are not paid the real value of their work, leading to surplus value
• How does Marx view the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?

  He sees it as exploitative, with opposing interests
• What does Marx argue will ultimately destroy capitalism?

  A communist revolution driven by class conflict
• 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 ruling class who own the means of production.
• What is the role of the proletariat in a capitalist society?

  They are the working class employed to produce goods.
• What does Marx mean by "surplus value"?

  It is the difference between the value of work produced and what workers are paid.
• How does capitalism create crises according to Marx?

  By making workers poor, which leads to economic collapses.
• What do traditional Marxists argue about the proletariat's acceptance of bourgeois rule?

  They argue that the proletariat often accepts bourgeois rule as normal.
• What is "false class consciousness"?

  It is a misguided view of one's social position imposed by bourgeois ideology.
• What is the role of the repressive state apparatus according to Marx?

  It controls the proletariat when they become class conscious and revolt.
• What is a famous quotation from Marx?

  “Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it.”
• What do feminists believe about contemporary society?

  They view it as being patriarchal, dominated by men.