Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
14 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
What is a sociological theory? |
Attempts to explain social behaviour in terms of the relation between individuals, groups & society. |
|
|
What the 4 different sociological perspectives? |
Functionalism Marxism Feminism Social Action Theory |
|
|
What are the key features of Functionalism? |
Structural/macro theory Consensus theory Human body analogy Basic agreement over core values |
|
|
What are the key strengths of Functionalism? |
Good at explaining times of consensus Good at analysing society as a whole |
|
|
What are the key weaknesses of Functionalism? |
Can't explain society during times of conflict Doesn't consider that our behaviour could be shaped by smale scale (micro) interactions |
|
|
What are the key features of Marxism? |
Structural/macro theory Conflict theory The concept of social class fundamental Means of production (goods & services) and relations to the means of production (somebody owns the means of production or works for the owners) Capitalist societies contain 2 main structures: infrastructure (the production of goods) & superstructure (all the other institutions) |
|
|
What are the key strengths of Marxism? |
Good at analysing society as a whole Still relevant today as economy & social class still cause divisions/inequality |
|
|
What are the key weaknesses of Marxism? |
Capitalism is arguably now stronger than ever Focuses on class stratification, ignoring other issues such as gender & racial inequality |
|
|
What are the key features of Feminism? |
Structural/macro theory Conflict theory Challenges gender stratification Different types eg Black Feminists, Marxist Feminists etc |
|
|
What are the key strengths of Feminism? |
Good at analysing society as a whole Challenges malestream sociology - the fact that so much research has ignored women |
|
|
What are the key weaknesses of Feminism? |
May be ignoring wider factors such as class May overlook the exploitation/oppression of some men |
|
|
What are the key features of Social Action? |
Micro theory (small scale interactions) Society doesn't shape our behaviour, our behaviour shapes society We are individuals with agency |
|
|
What are the key strengths of Social Action Theory? |
Good at explaining small scale interactions Good at recognising the role of the individual; we can think for ourselves |
|
|
What are key weaknesses of Social Action Theory? |
Overlooks the role of whole society in shaping behaviour Tends to focus on the present only & overlooks what has happened in the past |
