Theories and Methods

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  • Created by: Lucva
  • Created on: 17-02-22 08:37
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  • Theory and Methods
    • Consensus Theories
      • Functionalism
        • Parsons
          • 3 similarities between society and a biological organism
            • System: interdependent parts fit together (in the body - organs, in society -institutions
            • System needs: Organisms have needs (nutrition). Social system also has basic needs for survival (socialisation of members)
            • Functions: Contribution to system needs ( circulatory system carries oxygen, economy meets need for food and shelter)
          • Value consensus - Social order is achieved through shared culture ( norms, values and beliefs) which members of society agree on.
        • Durkheim
          • Collective conscience binds individuals tightly together and prevents anomie
        • AO3
          • Conflict theorists see Functionalism as an conservative ideology that legitimises the status quo
          • Wrong (1961) Functionalism is deterministic
    • Conflict Theories
      • Marxism
      • Feminism
    • Social Action Theory
      • Weber
        • Argued that an adequate sociological explanation involves two levels.
          • The level of cause: explaining the objective structural factors that shape peoples behaviours (structural theories)
          • The level of meaning: understanding the subjective meanings that individuals attach to their actions.
        • classifies actions into four types, based on their meaning for the actor
          • Instrumentally rational action: actor calculates the most efficient means of achieving a goal.
          • Traditional action: customary, routine or habitual action.
          • Affectual action: an action that expresses emotion. (crying to show sadness, violence to show anger.)
          • Value-rational action: action towards a goal that the actor regards as desirable for its own sake.
      • AO3
        • Schultz: Weber's view of action is too individualistic and cant explain the shared nature of meaning.
        • Weber advocated use of verstehen. Cannot be fully reached as we cannot be the other person so cant be sure we understand their motives.
    • Structural Theories
      • Looks at society from a macro perspective.
      • Society is a complex system of institutions which govern behaviour.
      • Emphasises the power of society over the individual and believe that the individual is largely controlled by society.
      • Norms and values gained through socialisation models the individuals thoughts and actions.
      • Conflict Theories: Marxism, Feminism
        • Conflict Theories
          • Marxism
          • Feminism
      • Consensus Theories: Functionalism
        • Consensus Theories
          • Functionalism
            • Parsons
              • 3 similarities between society and a biological organism
                • System: interdependent parts fit together (in the body - organs, in society -institutions
                • System needs: Organisms have needs (nutrition). Social system also has basic needs for survival (socialisation of members)
                • Functions: Contribution to system needs ( circulatory system carries oxygen, economy meets need for food and shelter)
              • Value consensus - Social order is achieved through shared culture ( norms, values and beliefs) which members of society agree on.
            • Durkheim
              • Collective conscience binds individuals tightly together and prevents anomie
            • AO3
              • Conflict theorists see Functionalism as an conservative ideology that legitimises the status quo
              • Wrong (1961) Functionalism is deterministic

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