Perspectives and core themes

• What does a sociological perspective involve?

  A set of theories that influences what is studied in society
• What are the main sociological perspectives?

  • Functionalism
  • Marxism
  • Feminism
  • New Right
  • Postmodernism
  • Social action (Interpretivist theories)
  • Realist
• What do consensus theories assume about society?

  That society is primarily harmonious and social order is maintained through widespread agreement
• Which theory is primarily associated with consensus theory?

  Functionalist theory
• What do conflict theories emphasize?

  The social, political, or material inequality of a social group
• Which perspectives are generally associated with conflict theories?

  Marxist and feminist perspectives
• What is structuralism concerned with?

  The overall structure of society and how individual behavior is shaped by social institutions
• How is functionalism viewed in relation to structuralism?

  As consensus structuralism
• How are Marxism and Feminism described in relation to structuralism?

  As conflict structuralism
• What does a macro approach focus on?

  The large-scale structure of society as a whole
• What does a micro approach focus on?

  Small groups or individuals rather than the structure of society as a whole
• What is the organic analogy in functionalism?


  • Society works like a human body
  • Vital organs correspond to vital institutions
  • All parts work together for overall survival and function
• What is the key concept in Functionalism?

  Function, where everything benefits society
• According to Durkheim, what is more important than the individual?

  Society
• What is value consensus in Functionalism?

  • General agreement around main values and norms
  • Operates as a unifying force in society
  • Integration of people through shared values and culture
• What must be constantly reinforced to prevent value consensus from atrophying?

  Shared beliefs and social norms
• What are positive and negative sanctions in society?

  Methods used to reinforce social norms and values
• What does Functionalism emphasize?

  • Harmony
  • Unity
  • Integration between all parts of society
• Who is associated with the development of Marxism?

  Karl Marx
• What did Marx argue about the structure of society?

  It is based on conflict between two classes: the proletariat and the bourgeoisie
• What is the role of the proletariat in Marxist theory?

  They sell their labor to the bourgeoisie for a wage
• How do the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat?

  By keeping wages low and profiting from their work
• What term refers to the ruling class in Marxist theory?

  Bourgeoisie
• What is class conflict according to Marx?

  The differing interests of the ruling class and the working class
• What is dominant ideology in Marxist theory?

  The beliefs and ideas of the most powerful groups that influence society
• How does the ruling class maintain its power according to Marx?

  By making society believe that their role is normal and essential
• What is false class consciousness?

  A state where the working class is unaware of their exploitation
• Who argued that the ruling class controls ideology?

  Gramsci
• What did Althusser argue about institutions?

  They are instruments of the ruling class created to maintain control
• What are repressive state apparatuses?

  Institutions that suppress and control the working class through physical force
• What are ideological state apparatuses?

  Institutions that control the working class by manipulating their beliefs
• What did Marx believe would eventually happen to the working class?

  They would gain class consciousness and overthrow the ruling class
• What are the main beliefs of feminism?

  • Society is patriarchal
  • Men have exploited women historically
  • Childbirth makes women vulnerable
  • Gender role socialization exaggerates physical differences
• What is the main focus of feminist sociology?

  To examine society from the perspective and interests of women
• What are the three main types of feminism?

  • Marxist feminism
  • Radical feminism
  • Liberal feminism
• What does Marxist feminism emphasize?

  The double exploitation of women as both women and working class
• What is socialisation?

  Socialisation is the process whereby individuals learn the culture of their society.
• What is radical feminism concerned with?

  The problem of patriarchy and male domination in society
• How do individuals learn the culture of their society?

  Individuals learn the culture of their society through socialisation.
• What does liberal feminism seek to achieve?

  Equality for women within the existing system