Sociology theory and methods

• What are the main types of theories discussed in sociology?

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

  Shared interests and broad agreement on norms
• What is the main consensus theory considered in sociology?

  Functionalism
• Who developed the functionalism perspective?

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

  Society has institutions like organs in a body
• What does Durkheim mean by social cohesion?

  People bound together in common purpose
• What is social control according to Durkheim?

  Prevention of anti-social behavior
• What balance does Durkheim argue is necessary for a good society?

  Balance of social cohesion and social control
• What are the two stages of socialisation according to Durkheim?

  Primary and secondary socialisation
• What is primary socialisation?

  Learning values from family and community
• What is secondary socialisation?

  Learning universalistic values from society
• How does functionalism view social change?

  As a gradual process that happens naturally
• Who are some key functionalists mentioned?

  Talcott Parsons, Davis and Moore
• What is the concept of meritocracy in functionalism?

  People achieve positions through effort and ability
• What does the New Right theory combine?

  Neo-liberal economics and traditional conservative views
• How does the New Right view society in the late 20th century?

  As dysfunctional due to broken consensus
• What do New Right theorists argue about welfare policies?

  They undermine key institutions creating consensus
• What is a criticism of the New Right's view on family?

  It undermines the traditional nuclear family
• Who is Charles Murray and what does he argue?

  He argues about the creation of an underclass
• How did New Right ideas influence modern conservatism?

  They changed conservatism in the 1970s
• What are the agents of socialisation that create value consensus?

  Families, education, media, places of worship
• What is a main criticism of consensus theories?

  They overlook fundamental conflicts in society
• What do Marxists argue about consensus in society?

  It serves the interests of powerful groups
• How do some Marxists view functionalism?

  As a ruling-class ideology maintaining status quo
• What is a specific criticism of functionalism?

  It is too optimistic about social institutions
• What do critics accuse the New Right of lacking?

  Objectivity in their political position
• What do postmodernists criticize about consensus and conflict theories?

  They see human behavior as structurally determined
• What do conflict theories see society as made up of?

  Groups with competing and incompatible interests
• What are the two main conflict theories studied in sociology?

  Marxism and feminism
• What does Marxism critique about capitalism?

  It creates poverty and class conflict
• What is the exploitative nature of work in capitalism according to Marx?

  Workers are not paid the real value of their work
• What does Marx mean by "surplus value"?

  It is the difference between value produced and wages
• How do the bourgeoisie and proletariat relate in Marx's view?

  They have opposing interests in capitalism
• What does Marx argue will ultimately destroy capitalism?

  Communist revolution driven by class conflict
• What is the main focus of interactionism in relation to conflict?

  It recognizes conflict but not as fundamental
• What does the term "capitalist society" refer to in Marxism?

  A society divided by social class conflicts
• What is the role of the proletariat in a capitalist society?

  To produce goods for the bourgeoisie
• How does Marx view the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat?

  It is exploitative and unequal
• What does Marx believe about the future of capitalism?

  It will lead to its own destruction
• What is the significance of Marx's critique of capitalism?

  It highlights the inherent class struggles