bridging work sociology

flashcards to revise as bridging work for test when returning to school watch functionalist theory vid

what do micro theories focus on?

what do micro theories focus on?

micro theories focus on the detaiils in society and how inidividuals interact with society and each other

what do macro theories focus on?

macro theories focus on the ‘bigger picture’ on society as a whole and how the parts of society interact with each other

what do microw theories allow sociologists to do? CHECK

micro theories allow on ground analysis from sociologists but ignore larger pictures including analysis CHECK

what do macro theories allow sociologists to do?

macro theories allow sociologists to see large scale issues but tend to ignore individual differences

what types of theories are there?

• consensus theories

• conflict theories

• social action theories

what do many sociologists see themselves as?

many sociologists see themselves as social scientists who collect data to interpret society

what do sociologists need to analyse data and what allows them to do it? what is what allows them to do it built around?

sociologists nedd a framework to analyse data and the theories allow them to do this

these theories r built around key ideas such as the norms and values of society

what does consensus theories include?

functionalism and the new right

what are consensus theories based on?

consensus theories r based on majority agreement with SHARED NORMS, VALUES AND BELIEFS

what do consensus theories focus on?

consenus theories focus on the social order in society where everyone knows what is expected of them

what do consensus theories examine?

consenus theories examine how society works together so that everyone gets what they need

what do consenus theories also make sure? include example

consensus theories also make sure society is prepared for the future e.g. educatuon

what do conflict theories seek to do?

make changes to society

what do conflict theories include?

marxism and feminism

what are conflict theories starting point?

their starting point is that social inequalities exist, u cannot achieve consensus as society serves those that have the most power

what do conflict theories claim?

they claim that although there may appear to be consensus, this is based on ppl accepting their subordinate positions ‘i kow my place’

what do conflict theories use the concept of?

concept of IDEOLOGY, a set of values n beliefs used in society to describe how the powerful manipulate society to justify why they hold power n should continue to maintain that

what is an example of an concept conflict theories use? CHECK

e.g under slavery in southern states of US, they used variety of arguments to say black ppl were inferior CHECK

what do conflict theories claim? use example

they claim that where inequalities exist they may only erupt from time to time e.g. george floyd

what theories do social action theories include?

theories such as interactionism and labelling theory

what is the difference between consensus n conflict theories with interactionism?

consensus n conflict theories focus on structures, smth external to the individual ( macro theories)

ineractionism = micro theory, looking at the indivudal themselves

what is the interactionism theory (social action theory) sometimes called n why?

‘ Interpretivist’ bc they seek to understand how individuals interpret their social world

what is the most influential consensus theory in sociology?

functionalism

who are the main sociologists for functionalism theory?

durkheim n parsons

what does durkeim say regarding functionalism?

that we need to feel SOCIAL SOLIDARITY

what is social solidarity?

a feeling of belonding and a shared identity

why do people need to feel they have a place in society?

ppl need to feel they have place in society or this leads to ANOMIE

what is anomie?

a sense of normlessness or uncertainty how to behave

what does parsons emphasise regarding functionalism?

parsons emphasised the role of SOCIOLISATION in ceating VALUE CONSENSUS

what is value consensus?

a shared agreement among a group of people about what is important or valuable

what is the value consensus parsons emphasised? CHECK CHECK

• key insitutions = education, media, religion, families, peer groups

• transmit norms n values to new gen ensuring stability

• ORGANIC ANALOGY - like a body, all have part to play

what is functionalism referred to and why?

functionalism is referred to as a STRUCTURAL THEORY as it sees parts of society linked as a structure, or relying on each other

what do functionalists analyse social instituions in terms of? give an example

their function (role or purpose) they perform for society

E.g. Durkheim say religion as creating sense of solidarity through shared worship n shared symbols, creating a feeling of belonging

what did durkheim believe functions of social institutions were?

Durkheim believed that the function of social institutions was to promote and maintain social order and social solidarity. He regarded the family as the most important institution because it links the individual to society. Romantic love and marriage provide society with an orderly means of reproduction, while the family unit provides physical and economic support for children during the early years of dependence. Most importantly, the family is the primary agent of socialisation - children learn society’s essential ideas and values, the accepted ways of behaving and the social roles (such as feminine and masculine roles) required for adult life. Education, too, develops both the values and skills required for children to take their place eventually as working adults in the specialised division of labour. The discipline structure and secondary socialisation that occurs in schools also function to maintain consensus, as most people accept that a future of work and career are the norm. Finally, religious beliefs provide people with moral guidelines and practices which socially integrate people into a common identity and community

what did Parsons see society as?

a social system - AGIL

what makes up Parson’s AGIL model?

• Adaption

• Goal attainment

• latency

• integration

what is meant by adaption in parsons AGIL model? CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK

institutions that help ppl adapt to env and also env to needs e.g. economy

What is meant by goal attainment in parsons agil model? include example

institutions that help organise ppl n decide society’s goals e.g. political parties

what is meant by latency in parson’s agil model? include eg

instituions that help to pass on the culture e.g. families n education

what is meant by integration in parsons AGIL model? include eg

instituions that help unify all other parts of society e.g. religion

give 3 strengths for functionalism:

• most influential up to 1950s

• useful to analyse how diff parts of society work together to provide for members’ needs

• highlights how societies r more effective when ppl co-operate

give 5 weaknesses for functionalism:

• lost support w modern day sociologists

• fails to explain conflicts

• assumes society benefits everyone equally

• clashes in diff cultural norms n values e.g. role of women, homosexuality

• appears to suport the ideologies of the powerful

what is the NEW RIGHT?

NEW RIGHT is a political viewpoint more than a sociological theory

who is the main sociologist for the new right?

Murray

what is the NEW RIGHT based on?

based on ideas by economist adam smith (18th century)

what was Adam Smith’s idea?

capitalist societies work best when there is a free market

what does Adam smith’s ideas mean?

means that gov should not interfere by e.g. setting wage limits or restricting trade

what did adam smith describe?

the ‘hidden hand of the market’ - supply and demand

when was the NEW RIGHT ( n adams smith ideas) revived? by who? what did they claim?

revived in 1944 by thinkers such as Hayek who claimed this theory/idea gives individuals freedom

what did NEW RIGHT THEORY argue against state systems?

Although the state systems to protect people to stop poverty and unemployment n it may be well meaning it is bad for society as a whole, causes more problems.

what did Hayek disagree with? and who did this influence?

disagreed with nationalised companies such as electricity and saw the welfare state as a ‘road to serfdom’ (benefit reliant)

Influenced Margaret Thatcher – Prime Minister   1979-1990

who is Murray?

most influential new right thinker

what did murray argue? give eg of values

argued that in UK and USA excessive gov help has led to DEPENDENCY CULTURE n the emergence of the underclass, separated from society n lacking commitment to the norms n values of wider society (eg hard work, self discipline, raising children within a marriage).

what does Murray (1990) blame rising levels of crime in UK n USA on? what does he esp focus on

the underclass, esp focusing on growing numbers of single parents w increasing numbers of poor children growing up without a father figure and so turn to gang life and crime

Strengths of the NEW RIGHT theory:

• have some smiliarties w functionalism

• supports capitalist economic system

• Marsland argues that british sociologisys were too influenced by marxism n failed to teach students benefits of capitalism

• provides counter balance to mainlu left wing sociological theories

weakness of NEW RIGHT theory:

• not based on clear sociological evidence

• murray claims poor ppl r ‘feckless’ but this is not supported by studies of single parties n those in poverty groups

• most studies find poorer ppl have same aspirations n desire to follow same norms n values but cannot bc of inequalities in society

who is the main sociologist for MARXISM?

marx

what is the most influential conflict theory?

marxism

what ideology is marxism based on?

idelogy of Karl Marx

what did marx claim?

that all societies developed into class divisions w the powerful exploiting the poor.

what did marx call modern day socities? n what was this based on?

CAPITALIST based on the ruling by those who have capital (money, buildings, factories) who use this to make themselves richer and more powerful.

what did marx call those who have capital (money, buildings, factories) who use exploiting the poor to make themselves richer and more powerful?

he called these the BURGEOISIE

definition of bourgeoisie:

the ruling class in Marx's theory of class struggle under capitalism.

the property-owning class who own the means of production (e.g. factories) and employ and exploit the proletariat.

what did marx claim the bourgeoisie do?

claimed this exploited the working classes, who Marx termed the PROLETARIAT, formed of the majority of the people

what were the proletariat status in terms of wealth?

They have no wealth so must work for a wage.

How did marx say the proletariat were exploited? CHECK CHECK CHECK

Marx said they were exploited by this system by the bourgeoisie as most of the profit went to those that owned the MEANS OF PRODUCTION (factories, businesses)

how did marx claim the proletariat were persuased to accept this situation?

persuaded to accept this situation by developing IDEOLOGICAL STATE APPARATUSES (ISA)

what is the IDEOLOGICAL STATE APPARATUSES? CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK

these are the agencies such as education and the media that r used to maintain the power of the bourgeoisie

give an example of how ISA is developed through media: CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK

For example, widespread use of media keeps people happy enough as they are entertained and not question their lack of power

using the examole you gave as to how ISA is developed through media, what did Marx call this in terms of the proletariat? However, what did he argue would eventually happen? CHECK CHECK CHECK

Marx called this FALSE CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS as working class cannot see a different ways of living. However, Marx argued that eventually the proletariat would see the unfairness of society and revolt against the power structure.

strengths of marxism:

• most influential from 1960s

• interpreted in diff ways by sociologists

• offers a crirtical viewpoint to capitalism

• understands the issues as social inequalities continue to increase

• offers an explanatation as to why social inequalities continue to increase

weaknesses of marxism:

• faces some criticisms e.g. working class r ‘brain washed’ into false class consciousness

• even tho there r inequalities, capitalist societies still have a comparatively better poor (relative poberty) than many who have lived under communism

• marxism focus on class differences but ignores other inequalities such as gender, ethnicity n religion

who was max weber?

a germal sociologist

what was weber’s viewpoint on marx? why? include eg

weber disagreed w marx n his analysis of social inequalities

weber said that diff of status and power more important and not always linked to economy – not all about the money! Eg ethnic minorities treated differently regardless of their wealth.

strengths of weber:

• recognises that class alone is not the only markers of inequality - focuses on status n power

• understans that even ppl who may come from well off background may still face discrimination

weaknesses of weber: CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK CHECK

• although can be applied to gender inequality, weber doesnt explain this n how gender can cross power boundaries

• doesnt offer an explanation for how this divide happens ( structures)

• although he disagreed w marx, in reality most power n status comes from wealth

• postmodernists argue that norms n values no longer fixed so status is fluid

what can feminism be linked too and from when, use eg? when was feminisms main inluence?

although can be linked to aspects of female emancipation (freedom) from 19th century onwards (e.g. suffragette movement) its main influence was from 1970s onwards.

what do feminists argue?

argue that in most societies women face inequality compared to men regardless of class, ethnicity or other sociological divides.

whats an example that feminists could use to backup their argument that women face inequality compared to men :

E.G, males control most businesses, politics and the law also tend to be more dominant in personal relationships

what has feminism encouraged sociologists to focus more on?

has encouraged sociologists to focus more on gender inequalities, focussing on the concept of a PATRIARCHAL IDEOLOGY , where all the power lies w men, n the maintenance of these systems.

what r the strengths w feminism:

• recognises the inequalities that women face - at least half the population

• later versions support intersections - e.g. black, gay woman

what r the weaknesses of feminism:

• may focus only on the inequality of women at cost of considering other inequalities

• radical feminists accused of over emphasising the dominance of males

• liberal feminists argue that the role of woman has changed over time

what type of theory is post modernism? n why?

not strictly a sociological theory bc there r many differing views from postmodernists

what do most postmodernists argee on?

that we should focus on small parts of the social world and try to understand them from a variety of viewpoints.

what do postmodernists reject?

the idea that there is 1 ‘right’ theory n therefore undermine the idea of a ‘social science’ as cannot be proven

what has postmodernism have a huge influence on? why?

influence on sociology as they start from the point that the age of modernity came to an end in 1990s

are we currenly in a post modern world?

yes

what have we now moved on to which differes from modern times? how do they say these r more significant?

modernity struggled with the industrial revolution n machine tech m moved away from religious teachings to a more rational viewpoint, we have now moved to an era where knowledge production is more important – digital age, media mass communication.

these are more significant both culturally and economically.

for the postmodernist, how r ppls identies incereasingly defined? what does this mean?

ppl’s identities are increasingly defined by personal choice and individualism rather than social structures

ppl prefer to make their own choices than follow ‘experts’ in science or religion.

what theories do postmodernists question / criticise? why?

? (so you can always use them to criticise) theories such as Marxism and Functionalism as society is now fragmenting and individuals can choose what they want to be

strengths of post modernism

• focus on changes within society e.g. globalisation

• highlights complexity of identities in the world today

weaknesses of post modernism:

• many sociologist dont accept postmodernism as it undermines sociology as a science

• whilst their theories r not ‘fact’ they r based on systematic research n data analysis

• #blm signposting that ppl may not be able to ‘choose’ their identity

why are there so many schools of thoughts in sociology?

The existence of many theoretical schools of thought in sociology arises from the complexity and diversity of human societies, which cannot be fully explained by a single perspective. Sociological theories vary because they focus on different levels of analysis, from individual interactions to large-scale social structures, and are shaped by historical, cultural, ideological, and philosophical contexts. The field's interdisciplinary nature, evolving social issues, and the multiplicity of human experiences also contribute to this diversity.

pro of having sm schools of thoughts in sociology:

One strength of having many different views in sociology is that it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena. Multiple perspectives enable sociologists to examine issues from various angles, capturing the complexities and nuances of human behavior, social interactions, and institutions. This diversity of thought fosters a richer analysis, as different theories can highlight aspects that others might overlook, such as power dynamics, cultural influences, or individual agency. Ultimately, this plurality makes sociology more adaptable and better equipped to address the diverse and evolving challenges of society.

weakness of having sm:

A weakness of having many different views in sociology is that it can lead to fragmentation and a lack of consensus within the field. With numerous competing theories, it can be challenging to integrate findings or develop a unified understanding of social phenomena. This diversity may result in conflicting interpretations, making it harder to reach clear conclusions or create cohesive solutions to social issues. Theoretical disagreements can also complicate communication and collaboration among sociologists, potentially hindering progress and the practical application of sociological insights.

what is meant by dependency culture?

culture or lifestyle characterized by individuals’ dependency on state benefits such as welfare1. It refers to a system of social welfare that encourages people to stay on benefits rather than work2. The tax and benefit system is designed to give little incentive for getting off benefits and into work.

what is ‘status’?

position or rank, esp. in a social group or legal system:

an accepted or official position, especially in a social group:

what adpects of society gives us status?

This status is determined by various factors, including wealth, occupation, education, and family lineage.