Sociology - Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Define functionalism. Briefly account for its origins. Briefly describe its aims and arguments. State how it is criticized

Functionalism refers to the theoretical perspective rooted in positivism which describes society as a complex system of institutions that work together interdependently to promote consensus and social order.

Functionalism originated from the works of August Comte but was established by Émile Durkheim.

The main aim of Functionalism is to understand how to maintain social order by propagating social norms and values to create harmony and equilibrium. Society constantly orients itself to preserve a status quo through the passive actions of the individual.

Functionalism is criticized due to its positive outlook, disregard of social inequalities, rejection of immediate social action and exaggeration of social cohesion

Define marxism. Briefly account for its origins. Briefly describe its aims and arguments. State how it is criticized

Marxism refers to a dialectical theoretical perspective which shapes society around class struggle and oppression fueled by power imbalance and exploitation.

Marxism originated from the work of Karl Marx who strongly believed that society has been driven by continuous class wars.

Marxism focuses on the relationship between economic structure and other social institutions from which it argues that the fundamental social conflict arises — social class conflict — shaped by dialectical materialism. It argues conflict arises because the working class opposes the oppression of the ruling class and overcome the status quo imposed on them by developing class consciousness to understand the injustices established by the ruling class.

Marxism is criticized for rejecting social order and its inclinations with communism.

Define interactionism. Briefly account for its origins. Briefly describe the aims and arguments of its contemporaries. State how it is criticized

Interactionism refers to a microsociological theoretical perspective which explains human behaviour as a result of individual autonomy driven by their personal goals and influenced by the actions of others.

Interactionism is heavily influenced by the work of Max Weber from which many sub-perspectives have been created including Symbolic Interactionism, Ethnomethodology, Phenomenology and Dramaturgy.

Symbolic Interactionism, suggested by George Mead, argues that life is made up of symbols that convey specific meanings which shape their interactions and identity.

Ethnomethodology, suggested by Harold Garfinkel, argues that individuals rely on amassing knowledge to create and maintain social order in their lives to cope with the reality that life is generally chaotic and harmony is subjective and socially constructed.

Phenomenology, suggested by Alfred Schutz, argues that people make sense of the world by classifying and interpreting objects, events and other people based on their own experiences and behaving accordingly.

Dramaturgy, suggested by Erving Goffman, likens a society to a theatre in which that individuals orient themselves to curate a particular perception and integrate themselves into society by acting out their expected roles.

Interactionism is mostly criticized in its inability to account for broad social structures due to its microsociological approach whilst explaining social behaviour and its neglection for scientific constructs and positivist methodologies.

Define feminism. Briefly account for its origins. Briefly describe its aims and arguments. State how it is criticized

Feminism is a theoretical perspective influenced by Marxism and Interactionism which evaluates inequalities faced by women due to oppression caused by the patriarchy.

Feminism began to take large strides in the 20th century due to the suffragette movement in which women vied for political equality and from there other aspects of society have been pinpointed, studied and researched to highlight other inequalities that women face relatively to men — sparking the construction of a framework that facilitates the dissemination of said inequalities and has sprouted many branches which are now recognized within Sociology.

Feminism is aimed towards dismantling the patriarchy and achieving gender equality. Feminists believe that society is oriented around advantaging men and is polluted by gender bias and restrictions.

Feminism is often criticized due to its Interpretive roots however sub-branches of Feminism do incorporate positivist methodologies. Feminists are also criticized as their thought is considered a biased approach and doesn’t have the proper grounds to claim gender and the patriarchy are the basis of social interactions and relationships (in a sociological context. free the women!!!!!!!). However feminists often counter this in their argument of gender as a fundamental structure of power and social organization.

Describe social order in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social order is a product of consensus, shared values and cooperation amongst institutions to maintain stability.

Marxists believe social order is imposed by the ruling class to maintain control over the working class through ideology and coercion.

Interactionists believe social order is a product of routine and shared meanings amongst individual in daily life.

Feminists believe social order is structured by patriarchal norms that benefit men and subordinate women.

Describe social change in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social change is slow, evolutionary and necessary only when it benefits the system without disrupting stability.

Marxists believe social change occurs through revolution arising from class struggle as oppressed groups overthrow exploitative systems.

Interactionists believe social change occurs when social interactions shift and the perception on certain situations change.

Feminists believe social change is necessary to dismantle patriarchal structure and achieve equality.

Describe social values in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social values promote unity and stability by guiding behaviour.

Marxists believe social values reflect ruling class interests and maintain class divisions.

Interactionists believe social values are constructed through interactions and vary based on individual interpretation.

Feminists believe social values reinforce gender inequality by promoting patriarchal norms.

Describe social norms in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social norms regulate behaviour and maintain social cohesion.

Marxists believe social norms serve the interest of ruling class and maintain class divisions.

Interactionists believe social norms are constructed through interactions and vary based on context.

Feminists believe social norms are gendered and maintain male dominance.

Describe social sanctions in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social sanctions help maintain order by reinforcing norms.

Marxists believe social sanctions oppress the working class and maintain class dominance.

Interactionists believe social sanctions are shaped by social interactions and individual interpretation.

Feminists believe social sanctions enforce gender roles and punish those who challenge them.

Describe social roles in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social roles contribute to social stability by ensuring individuals fulfil necessary functions.

Marxists believe social roles are assigned based on class and reinforce social inequality.

Interactionists believe social roles are fluid and constantly negotiated through social interaction.

Feminists believe social sanctions are gendered and limit opportunities while maintaining patriarchal structures and dominance.

Describe social status in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social status is earned through merit and maintain society’s organization.

Marxists believe social status is largely determined by class and wealth, benefiting the elite.

Interactionists believe social status is influenced by social interactions and the way people perceive each other.

Feminists believe social status is gendered, with men often occupying higher-status positions due to systemic inequalities.

Describe social groups in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe social groups contribute to stability and help individuals to integrate into society.

Marxists believe social groups are divided by economic power, with the ruling class exploiting the working class.

Interactionists believe social groups are formed and maintained through social interaction and shared meaning.

Feminists believe social groups are structured by gender inequalities, often marginalizing women.

Describe socialization in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe socialization ensures stability by teaching individuals societal norms and values.

Marxists believe socialization is a tool used by the ruling class to impose ideologies and maintain power.

Interactionists believe socialization is a dynamic process where individuals learn through interaction and role-playing.

Feminists believe socialization enforces gender norms/expectations and shape gender roles.

Describe culture in terms of the main theoretical perspectives

Functionalists believe culture promotes unity and stability by providing common values.

Marxists believe culture is shaped by the ruling class to justify their power and exploit the working class.

Interactionists believe culture is actively created and modified through daily interactions.

Feminists believe culture reflects patriarchal values and often reinforces gender inequality.