Structuralism

• What is modernity?


  Modernity - from the mid 17th century to mid 20th century - is the period in the grown of society with increased rationality and greater scientific knowledge. This was seen as a way of increasing knowledge and control of the world and therefore improving it.
• How does modernity relate to the emergence of sociology as an academic subject?

  Sociology was developed as an attempt to apply the same principles of modernity to understand the development and organisation of human society instead of the natural world.
• Who were some key thinkers with the emergence of sociology?

  Comte, Durkheim, Weber, Marx
• What is the problem of 'social order'?

  Social order is the relatively stable state of society with shared norms and values which enable people to live together. The problem of social order is how large groups live together and how social structures are formed and maintained to avoid anarchy and chaos.
• What is the consensus approach to sociology - give examples?

  Consensus theory assumes society is harmonious and social order is maintained by a widespread consensus on the goals and values of society. Approach started with Durkheim and was followed through by Parsons and Merton: Functionalism is the main example of consensus theory.
• What is the conflict approach to sociology - give examples?

  Conflict theory sees society as primarily conflict ridden and unstable and emphasises social differences and conflicts between groups. Concerned with issues such as social inequality. Theories like Marxism and Feminism adopt this approach.
• What is meant by the 'dominant ideology'?

  Refers to a set of ideas which justify the social advantages of wealthy powerful groups and justifies the disadvantages of those who lack wealth, power and influence. For example capitalism produces the 'myth of meritocracy' which is widely accepted in society.
• What is meant by structuralism?

  Structuralism is concerned with the overall structure of society and sees individuals behaviour as moulded by social institutions.
• Why does structuralism take a macro approach to sociology?

  Focuses on the impact of institutions in society - a large scale focus on social structures which makes it a macro approach.
• Why is functionalism regarded as a form of 'consensus structuralism'?

  Functionalism views society as a stable integrated system which positively moulds its members. View society as a system built up of institutions which positively contribute to the maintenance of society.
• What did Parsons mean by 'functional prerequisites'?

  Basic needs (eg food, care of the young, socialisation) or requirements that must be met if society is to survive.
• What are the two subsections of Parsons GAIL model?

  • Instrumental problems
  • Expressive problems
• What does the acronym GAIL in Parson's model stand for?

  1. Goal attainment
  2. Adaption
  3. Integration
  4. Latency (pattern maintenance)
• What are the instrumental problems in Parsons model?

  Goal attainment and Adaption
• What are the expressive problems in Parsons model?

  Integration and Latency
• What does Goal Attainment mean? (GAIL)

  Defining society's priorities and providing means of achieving them eg the political system
• What does Adaption mean? (GAIL)

  Adapting to environment and providing basic material necessities for human existence and resources to achieve valued social goals. E.g. Economy - organisations concerned with economic production.
• What does Integration mean? (GAIL)

  Coordinating parts of the system to achieve shared goals, socialisation, promoting social solidarity. E.g. Cultural/community organisations such as media and religion.
• What does Latency mean? (GAIL)

  Latency or pattern maintenance is minimising social tensions and conflict which prevents individuals and society from working. E.g. Family and kinship
• Why did Durkheim place such importance on the role of social institutions?

  Suggested that people are selfish and society would fall into chaos if no common values were learned. Places importance of social institutions as they socialise people into the value consensus or collective conscience.
• What is meant by 'structural differentiation'?

  In Parsons explanation, as societies evolve and new needs arise for both society and individuals, institutions become more specialised and functions they performed are lost to new institutions.
• How can we use the family as an example of structural differentiation?

  The family used to be responsible for work training and education but these transferred to specialised institutions - the education system and work based training as the family was no longer able to provide skills necessary for a complex industrial society.
• What additions did Merton make to functionalism?

  Introduced the idea of dysfunction to describe when some parts of the social structure don't work as intended and can have negative consequences.
• What two types of functions did Merton suggest institutions can have?

  Manifest functions, with recognised and intended consequences and latent functions, with unintended consequences.
• How do social action theorists criticise functionalism?

  Argue it is too deterministic as it sees individuals as passive products of the social system and doesn't allow for individual choice.
• What is functionalism criticised for overemphasising?

  Overemphasises harmony and consensus and ignores the extent of conflict and unequal distribution of power in society.
• What does functionalism not explain effectively?

  Doesn't explain social change effectively: socialisation, value consensus and social control which contribute to social stability should be limiting social change.
• How does New Right thinking relate to functionalism?

  The New Right emphasises the importance of socialisation into shared core values and stresses the role and importance of traditional institutions in building shared values. Key thinker: Charles Murray.
• Why is Marxism known as 'conflict structuralism'?

  Believes that a scientific analysis of society from modernism - would provide the means for improving it, in this case through revolution, destroying the capitalist system and institutions and establishing a communist society.
• What is the 'economic base' of society according to Marx?

  The economic base or 'infrastructure' underpins the rest of society. It consists of the means of production and the relations of production.
• What is the 'superstructure' of society according to Marx?

  The superstructure includes society's social institutions which Marx saw as primarily determined by the economic system (the infrastructure).
• What did Marx believe were the 2 basic social classes in capitalist society?

  The owners and non owners of the means of production.
• Why did Marx believe the two fundamental social classes would inevitably lead to conflict?

  As the means of production developed, new relations of production would emerge and society would evolve through changes arising from conflict between owners and non-owners.
• What did Marx mean by 'false class consciousness'?

  Is a lack of awareness among people about what their real interests are, it is the false belief that everyone benefits from the present organisation of society which is presented as fair and just.
• How did Marx believe 'false class consciousness' would be overcome?

  By increasing contrast between wealth and poverty and growing inequality which would lead to the working class developing class consciousness, an awareness of the exploitation and would protest, overthrowing the bourgeosie.
• What two things does Marxism overemphasise?

  1. Social class as a source of inequality, ignores other significant sources of inequality.
  2. The extent of conflict in society - functionalists argue it is primarily stable
• Why can Marx's two-class model of inequality be seen as inadequate?

  Growth of middle class, managerial professional workers between bourgeoisie and proletariat. Cannot account for all differences in power for example between men and women.