Introduction + Theories of Society

• What is Socialisation?


  the process of learning the culture of any society
• Define Primary Socialisation:


  The socialisation that takes place in early childhood, where children acquire a sense of who they are. For e.g; family, siblings..
• Define Secondary Socialisation:


  Where individuals learn the appropriate behaviours outside their immediate family. For e.g; school, work, peers.
• What are agents of social control?

  Individuals, Institutions and codes of conduct that try to prevent or limit crime. For e.g; Parents, Police, Schools, Religion
• Why do sociologists argue that behaviour is sociolised?

  Because our interactions with various social parties influence the way we think, eat, act etc..
• What are positive sanctions?


  Approval/Rewards for conforming to social norms
• What are negative sanctions?


  Criticisms/Consequences for not following societys norms
• Define Norms


  unwritten rules that guide our behaviour in society
• Define Values


  fundamental beliefs that guide our behaviour and decision making
• Define Customs


  traditional practices and behaviours that are common within a particular society
• Define Social Roles


  Guidelines/Expectations that dictate how individuals should act
• What is meant by characteristics of society?

  the defining key aspects that make up a particular society including its values, beliefs, norms etc..
• What 4 functionalist theories did Emile Durkheim develop?

  1 . The individual is produced by society like a puppet behaving to the way society wants them too.

  
  

  2. Society is like the human body that all work together, he referred this as an 'organic analogy'. He said a healthy society is one where the institution is doing its job properly.

  
  

  3. Society is based on a consensus (agreement) where each institution have shared behaviour.

  
  

  4. Institutions socialise people into agreed norms and values which lead to a value consensus (important agreement) and social identity.
• What 3 theories did functionalist Talcott Parsons develop?

  1 . Argued that socialisation is the key to understanding human behaviour patterns.

  2. Distinguished Primary + Secondary socialisation.

  3. Behaviour is controlled by the rules of society and crime is punished.
• Define Functionalist/Structuralist:


  Someone who believes in focusing on the purpose of social structures. They emphasise how we all must work together to maintain stability.
• What was Marxism by Karl Marx?

  A conflict and structuralist theory
• What were the 5 key ideas of Marxism?


  * All members of society belong to a social class. (Ruling class and Working Class)

  * Working Class have to sell their labour to the ruling class which makes them vulnerable.

  * Ruling class use idealogical control to maintain their power. They socialise the working class into accepting the Capitalism system as fair.

  * Ruling class spread a 'myth of meritocracy' (idea that we are EQUALLY rewarded for work) through institutions such as media, religion, education etc..

  * Working class will eventually become class conscious
• What was meant by a revolution in Marxism?


  Where the working class would become class conscious and unite to overthrow the ruling class through a revolution. After this, the working class would create an ideal world in the form of Communism (system where the means of production is government controlled and profits are shared equally).
• What are the strengths of Marxism? (6)

  * Recognises that power is unequally distributed.

  * Explains why some society have more wealth

  * Recognises abuse of power

  * Defined the classes clearly

  * Influenced sociologists

  * Marxism is still supported today.
• What are the weaknesses of Marxism? (4)


  * Didn't explain why Capitalism continued to spread if its so bad.

  * Not relevant today

  * Negative view of society

  * Marx put in too much emphasis on conflict.
• What is meant by feminism?


  Feminism is a conflict theory that sees society as male dominated. It aims to describe explained and change the position of women in society, as well as having gender equality.
• What is the problem, cause of the problem and solution to the problem of liberal/traditional feminism.

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  Problem: traditional ideas about gender has led to women being treated inferior

  cause: gender role socialisation is sexist

  Solution: change, laws, and attitudes. Through legislation changes, women can get a voice and greater equality.
• What is the problem, cause of the problem and solution to the problem of Marxist Feminism?


  Problem: women are exploited within the family through their domestic labour.

  Cause: capitalism requires a reserve army of labour and someone to raise the next generation of labour.

  Solution: replace capitalism with communism
• What is the problem, cause of the problem and solution to the problem of Radical Feminism?

  Problem,: society is male, dominated and oppresses women in all areas of social life

  Cause: patriarchal institution, such as the family that serve male interests only.

  Solution: the place patriarchy with matriarchy (women being in charge) or women live separately to men.
• What is the problem, cause of the problem and solution to the problem of Difference/Postmodern Feminism?

  Problem: some women are being exploited and oppressed, whilst others have greater equality

  Cause: different women have different experiences due to different circumstances

  solution: Challenge oppression, and exploitation, wherever it exists.
• Evaluation of feminist theories

  * postmodern, feminists, believe that most feminists failed to acknowledge the progress made by women

  * Marxists criticise feminists for neglecting class inequality

  * post modernist, believe that gender identities are no longer fixed, inflexible and oppressive.