Sociological Perspectives and Theories

Key Knowledge Words:
- Focus on different parts of the course material.
- Responses need to show understanding of ideas, theories, and concepts.
Limiting Words:
- Narrow the focus of the response.
- Reference specific subtopics.
- Specify the number of examples required, or exclude examples.
Command Words:
- Understanding VCAA command terms is important.
- Ensures accurate answering of the question.

Views society as a system of interconnected parts working together to meet individual needs.
Each part of society is interdependent and contributes to overall functioning.
Society is viewed as a living organism with different parts (families, education, government) each with its own function contributing to overall stability.
When the social system functions well, society remains stable and productive; if issues arise, society must adapt to restore stability.
Example in action: The government educates children and taxation provides services and social support for the smooth running of society.
In action: Increase in teenage pregnancy rates leads to responses like increased educational programs, improved contraception, and welfare programs.

Argues that social conflict occurs due to tensions between the bourgeoisie (upper class) and the proletariat (working class).
Considers how resources are distributed and maintained.
Wealthy exploit the poor, centered around access to, creation, and distribution of valuable resources, leading to class conflict.
The primary source of conflict is centered around the production of material goods.
Society’s economic system influences the structure and functioning of political, government, and education systems.
Bourgeoisie own and control the capital; the proletariat lacks capital and is compensated by the bourgeoisie.
Marx believed that the relationship between these two groups was exploitative.
Proletariat would overthrow the bourgeoisie, leading to a society without social classes.
In a class-free society, individuals would work according to their abilities and receive resources according to their needs.
In modern Australia, class conflicts are apparent in the context of housing and healthcare accessibility.

A theoretical perspective that advocates for the rights, equality and liberation of women.
Reaction to:
- Male-dominated structures.
- Devaluing and limiting female participating in society.
- Social change being controlled for the interests of men.
- Negative stereotype of the female as biologically inferior.
Feminist theorists observed that gender discrimination intersects with other forms of inequality, such as a person's culture, pace of birth and sexuality.
These sociologists study how social structures and processes contribute to inequality.

First Wave:
- Suffragettes fight for the right to vote.
Second Wave:
- 1960s: Sexuality, family, workplace, reproductive rights, de facto inequalities, official legal inequalities, domestic violence and marital rape.
- Reaction against the renewed domesticity of women after World War II.
Third Wave:
- Broadened goals after the 2nd Wave: Human rights, Queer theory, Abolishing gender role expectations and stereotypes, Changes in media portrayals and language to define women
Fourth Wave:
- Emerged in the late 2000s and continues today
- Focuses on the use of ICT to encourage and share feminist perspectives
- Includes efforts to protect transgender rights and inclusion.

Functionalism: Each part of society contributes to its functioning, Interdependence in society
Marxism: Economic system shapes norms, values, beliefs and customs. Exploitative relationship between classes. Conflict over material goods.
Feminism: Concerned with effects on gender differences on social experience. Seeks equality