theories

• structural theories see the individual entirely shaped by their society. we behave by social rules, expectations and norms, which are internalised during socialisation

  action theories see the individual as having free will and free choice; individuals create their society through their interactions
• consensus- focus on societies structure; how society is created and maintained through agreement. 'consensus' has a focus on order, stability and rules as basis for life

  conflict- unequal structure of society; power differences between social groups, some powerless groups are controlled and oppressed by the powerful. unequal power comes from control of the state and institutions; politics, media, education, law, family and religion
• functionalism is a consensus theory.

  functionalists argue that society is like a human body, each part contributes to the smooth functioning of the whole system
• shared agreements about norms and values is called value consensus
• value consensus is leant through socialisation which passes on acceptable patterns of behaviour. value consensus produces a sense of social solidarity (sense of belonging to society). value consensus is needed in order for society to remain ordered, without it society would be chaotic without order
• • functionalism
  • society is based on a specialised division of labour (how work, jobs and skills are organised in a society)- all members of society play their role and rely upon each other allowing society to operate smoothly and continue
• functionalism evaluation:

  • over emphasises consensus and social order- doesnt explain social conflicts
  • differences in behaviour are evident, and norms may not be shared in the same way they were 50 years ago
  • socialisation is not always positive
  • marxists argue that society is unequal so some groups have more power and are able to impose their norms on others
• marxism is a structural theory. society is based on conflict between 2 classes. the economic system (capitalism) divides society into 2 classes; the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. the ruling class exploit the working class for profit
• the working class are unaware of the ruling class exploiting them (they have a false class consciousness) because they are socialised into the ruling class ideology. this is because the ruling class control cultural institutions too- media, law, family, education
• marxism evaluation

  • false class consciousness is questionable. surveys show that people are aware of social class
  • ignores freedom of choice of indivduals- marxism suggests a process of 'brainwashing' into ideology that ignores human choice
  • too much emphasis on conflict- capitalism has improved peoples standards of living
  • other sources of inequality