Sociological Approach

Front 1

Common Sense Explanations

Back 1

Tend to be based on opinion and therefore tend to be subjective.

Front 2

Sociological Explanations

Back 2

Based on theories that have been tested through research therefore they attempt to be objective.

Front 3

Common Sense Explanations

Back 3

Can be individualistic or naturalistic. Naturalistic explanations assume that 'natural' (and sometimes god-given) reasons for behaviour can be identified. An individualistic explanation tries to explain a situation solely in terms of the individual or persons involved in it.
EXAMPLE: people naturally fall in love and get married.

Front 4

Sociological Explanations

Back 4

Challenge taken for granted assumptions and acknowledge the impact of wider social forces.
EXAMPLE: people marry due to social expectation.

Front 5

Structural Theories

Back 5

Take the Macro Approach - society shapes the individual
Conflict theories - Marxism, Neo Marxism
Consensus theory - Functionalism
interested in trends structures and social forces and how they shape society. (education, media, family, religion)

Front 6

Action Theories

Back 6

Take the micro approach - individual groups that shape society
Symbolic Interactionism (Weber, Mead)
Phenomenology
Ethnomethodology
Dramaturgy
start out looking at individuals and groups amd then generalise about society. this type of theory is more interested in the meanings processes and interactions between individuals.

Front 7

Marxism

Back 7

Structural.
Marxism is a conflict theory that bases everything on the relationship to the means of production.
It proposes that the ruling class (the bourgeoisie) controls the working class (the proletariat) by suppressing their norms and values.

Front 8

Functionalism

Back 8

Structural.
Functionalism is a consensus theory that believes society is like the human body - organic analogy - all working together to be able to function properly.
Harmony, stability & integration.