3 - Sociological Theory

Structuralism

The idea that society is more powerful than the individual & institutions influence our behaviour

Organic Analogy

Durkheim: society has lots of parts that work together to help it survive and grow

Value Consensus

The idea of society working best when there is agreement over shared values

Anomie

A state of normlessenss, disorder, or confusion caused by the break down of societal standards and values

Bourgeoisie

The ruling class who own the means of production

Proletariat

The working class who own their labour

Ruling Class Ideology

The ideas of the ruling class that are transmitted through institutions

False Class Consciousness

The idea that we are being brainwashed to believe capitalism is reasonable and just

Patriarchy

The idea that society is based on gender inequality and male dominated in work and family lives

Labelling Theory

How humans judge and make assumptions based on characteristics

I and the Me

We have a spontaneous, internal self (the I) and a conforming, socially acceptable self (the Me)

Postmodernism

The idea that society is changing rapidly after the 20th century and that new culture is emerging through technology

Pick n Mix Society

People choose their own cultural values and lifestyles rather than following the traditions of their society