Sociology–Module 1–Topic 3: Sociological Perspectives

What is the core idea of the Consensus/Functionalist perspective?

Society is a complex system where interconnected parts work together to maintain stability and solidarity.

What does the Consensus/Functionalist perspective emphasize?

Social order, consensus, and the functions of institutions.

Name the key theorists of the Consensus/Functionalist perspective.

1. Émile Durkheim

2. Talcott Parsons

3. Robert K. Merton

What is a Caribbean application of the Consensus/Functionalist perspective?

Institutions like family and religion promote social cohesion and shared values in Caribbean societies.

What are two strengths of the Consensus/Functionalist perspective?

1. Highlights social cohesion.

2. Explains how institutions maintain stability.

What are two weaknesses of the Consensus/Functionalist perspective?

1. Overlooks conflict and inequality.

2. May justify the status quo.

What is the core idea of the Conflict/Marxist perspective?

Society is characterized by inequality and conflict between groups competing for scarce resources.

According to the Conflict perspective, what drives social change?

Conflict between groups competing for power, wealth, and resources.

Name the key theorists of the Conflict/Marxist perspective.

1. Karl Marx

2. Ralf Dahrendorf

What is a Caribbean application of the Conflict perspective?

Explains exploitation in plantation societies and inequalities in wealth and power.

What are two strengths of the Conflict perspective?

1. Explains social inequality and power dynamics.

2. Highlights economic factors.

What are two weaknesses of the Conflict perspective?

1. Overemphasizes conflict.

2. May ignore social consensus.

What is the core idea of the Interactionist perspective?

Focuses on face-to-face interactions and the meanings individuals attach to their social world.

According to the Interactionist perspective, what is society?

The product of everyday interactions between individuals.

Name the key theorists of the Interactionist perspective.

1. Max Weber

2. George Herbert Mead

3. Erving Goffman

What is a Caribbean application of the Interactionist perspective?

Explains how individuals from different ethnic groups interact and create shared meanings.

What are two strengths of the Interactionist perspective?

1. Provides detailed insight into individual behaviour.

2. Highlights individual agency.

What are two weaknesses of the Interactionist perspective?

1. Neglects larger social structures.

2. Findings may be difficult to generalize.

What is the core idea of the Feminist perspective?

Gender inequality is central to social life and sociology must challenge women’s subordination.

Name the key theorists of the Feminist perspective.

1. Ann Oakley

2. Patricia Mohammed

3. Rhoda Reddock

What is the Caribbean application of the Feminist perspective?

Analyses how gender roles and inequalities are shaped by colonialism and the plantation system, impacting women's access to education, power, and public life. Examines issues of domestic labour and representation. For example, the historical exclusion of women from political power.

What are two strengths of the Feminist perspective?

1. Highlights gender inequality and women's experiences.

2. Challenges traditional sociological assumptions.

What are two weaknesses of the Feminist perspective?

1. May focus heavily on gender and overlook other forms of inequality.

2. Different feminist branches may conflict.