Sociology structuralist theories

• What is the main focus of structuralist theories of society?

  Understanding societal structures and their functions
• What are the learning objectives for studying structuralist theories?

  To explain, apply, and critique each theory
• Which resources are recommended for studying structuralist theories?

  A2 Sociology textbooks and Tutor2u website
• Which structuralist theories are studied in this course?

  Functionalism, New Right, Marxism, Neo-Marxism, Feminism
• Who first proposed Functionalist theory?

  Emile Durkheim
• How did Talcott Parsons contribute to Functionalist theory?

  He further developed Durkheim's ideas
• What is the relationship between New Right theory and Functionalism?

  New Right is an extension of Functionalism
• What is a key critique of Functionalist theory?

  It does not explain conflict or change adequately
• How do Functionalists view social change?

  As gradual and adaptive to societal needs
• What example illustrates Functionalism's inadequacy in explaining social change?

  Slow change in attitudes towards same-sex relationships
• What do critics argue about Functionalist views on value consensus?

  They ignore conflict within and between societies
• What is the main idea of Marxism?

  Societal structures shape human behavior
• How do Marxists differ from Functionalists regarding societal progress?

  Marxists see progress as revolutionary, not gradual
• What is a key critique of Marx's theory?

  Simplistic view of inequality
• What are the two types of Marxism today?

  Humanistic Marxism and Structuralist Marxism
• What does Gramsci's concept of hegemony explain?

  How the ruling class maintains its dominance
• What are the two ways the ruling class maintains dominance according to Gramsci?

  Coercion and consent (hegemony)
• Why is ruling class hegemony never complete?

  Ruling class is a minority needing alliances
• What is dual consciousness in the working class?

  Influence of both bourgeois ideology and material conditions
• What can lead to a counter-hegemony according to Marxist theory?

  Economic crises causing proletariat questioning
• What does Althusser argue about free will and choice?

  They are illusions caused by underlying structures
• What are the two apparatuses of the state according to Althusser?

  Repressive state apparatus and ideological state apparatus
• How does Althusser view the economy's role in society?

  It dominates but is not the only determinant
• What is a critique of Althusser's structural determinism?

  It ignores active struggles of the working class
• What is the main focus of Feminist theory?

  Society as male-dominated
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of structuralist theories?

  Strengths:

  • Provide a framework for understanding society
  • Highlight the role of social structures

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Often overlook individual agency
  • May not adequately explain social change
• How can you apply supporting evidence for each structuralist theory?

  • Use case studies
  • Reference empirical research
  • Cite historical examples
• What are the key differences between Functionalism and Marxism?

  • Functionalism: harmony, gradual change
  • Marxism: conflict, revolutionary change
• What are the main critiques of Functionalism?

  • Ignores conflict and change
  • Assumes harmony and consensus
• What are the main critiques of Marxism?

  • Simplistic view of inequality
  • Overemphasis on economic factors
• What are the different types of Feminism?

  • Liberal Feminism
  • Radical Feminism
  • Marxist Feminism
  • Intersectional Feminism
• What do structuralist Marxists believe about creativity?

  Creativity is an illusion.
• How do structuralist Marxists view human agency?

  People are like puppets controlled by structures.
• What is false consciousness according to structuralist Marxists?

  Believing in meritocracy as a myth.
• What does Althusser argue about socialism?

  It results from a crisis of capitalism.
• What is the critique of Althusser's view on economic determinism?

  It is replaced by structural determinism.
• What do Gouldner and Thompson criticize about Althusser's theory?

  It ignores active struggles of the working class.
• What are the tasks mentioned for the assignment folder?

  • Take the key term quiz
  • Complete tasks on pages 27 & 28
  • Plan an essay question
• What is the main focus of Feminism as a theory?

  Explaining and changing female subordination.
• What are the three waves of Feminism?

  1. Early 1900s
  2. 1960s
  3. 1990s