Sociological Theories

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  • Created by: Fxck_ambz
  • Created on: 26-09-16 19:44
Durkheim drew an analogy between society and?
the human body
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what was the point of doing this?
To demonstrate the interdependence of institutions that society has basic needs that must be met if it is too be maintained and regulated as a smooth, well ordered functioning organism.
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"Social fact"
a social fact is outside of human nature. it is a norm or value we expect of ourselves. for example collective conscience for example its morally wrong to murder someone.
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Value consensus
all members of society are committed to the same values
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What did Parsons mean when he explained a persons' social role is the outcome of peoples shared values and goals?
Social role is a behavior we display when playing a certain part, for example a mother hugs and feeds her child because she shares the value of "good mother". also a good teacher will mark her students work.
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Parsons argued that in order for social equilibrium to exist and most importantly to be maintained there are two mechanisms in society that does this? 1. socialisation 2 social control
Socialisation-passing down norms and values through the primary agent of socialisation the family for example using a toilet social control-discourage crime by asserting sanctions upon "dysfunctional" behavior such as robbery and fighting
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Define formal social control and give an example
expectations imposed through legal means and punished formally through the state. for example the policeg
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Define informal social control and give an example
expectations of behavior that are imposed in a subtle way for example media controls what we wear.
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Talcott Parsons refined functionalist theory further in the 1950s. what did he mean by the GAIL model when explaining how society operates? In your answer define the GAIL and give an example for each to demonstrate your K and U
G= GOALS A= Adaptation meet goals usually by using the environment e.g providing shelter for family. Integration= the law and state meet this need to reduce conflict between institutions and individuals. Latency= institutions agreeing to n&v
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Explain what Merton meant by dysfunction?
When institutions and inviduals go against the expected norms of behavior for example a child presenter abuses children
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How does Mertons theory of dysfunction give an example?
when an institution is dysfunctional such as the family a law is changed and a media campaign is launched so all members agree domestic violence is not acceptable. allows society to move forward.
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Define the economic base and explain what two statements make up the economic base?
The economic base is the factories, land, material and human resources needed to make business. the two elements are the means of production (physical materials) and the relations of production (relationship between workers and managers) .
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define the economic superstructure and explain why and how it emerged?
the superstructure emerged out of the economic base. for example the church helped produce false class consciousness, the family was a private space away from the bourgeiosie. the superstructure is made up of the institutions that socialise
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define what marx meant by the false class consciousness
the working class are unaware of their exploited situation
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how was false class awareness imposed upon the proletariat
workers need jobs to pay for food. there was no protection under the law. relations of production were unequal. proletariat told by the chuch this was the natural order of things and god's decision
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why is it important to the bourgeiosie that the proletariat remain poor and ignorant of their class position?
so the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor
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neo marxist such as gramsci challenge marx over the extent to which the economy determines everything. he created "hegemony"
Gramsci argued that the bourgeiosie used superstructure to win over the hearts of proletariat. through politics they passed laws to protect them for example off shore accounts.also media ensures that proletariat are entertained and feel content.
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Sociological theory
1) structural theory, 2) social interactionist theories, 3) post modern theory these are called meta narratives except post modernist.
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consensus theories
harmony, social order,social cohesion, consensus, collective conscience, socialisation, agreement on society's goals, norms + values.
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conflict theories
unstable, conflict, inequality of power, control by dominant, socialisation, social difference, exploitation, legitimising inequality.
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what function does social inequality have?
Social inequality helps to ensure that we all know our place within society and to ensure that we conform to our position within society e.g the poor are required to respect the heirachy of authority in the workplace
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what function does crime have?
The legal system set up laws to maintain social order from crime
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What is meant by expressive problems?
The emotional problems within society e.g how people feel from an event in the media for example whether Britain should stay in the Eu and reducing conflicts.
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What is instrumental problems?
The physical problems for example setting goals.
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The New Right : Murray and Marsland
see an over generous welfare state as undermining the traditional family
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What is the New right issue with Single Parent Families ?
Led to female single parent families lack of discipline, culture of dependency, laziness, work shy, underclass, immoral society, lack of work ethic, addictions, "yob" culture, rise of antisocial.
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Marxist
Family maintains the wealth through inheritance as it was made by bourgeiosie. Zaretsky-the family is a private unit to protect its members from hardship. Marcuse- the family is mintained through inheritance,
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Althusser
family is the best mechanism for teaching children to behave
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religion in Marxist theory
"The religion is the opium of the people" - Marx.
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the economy in marxist theory
bourgeiosie are at the top and boss proletariat around to be docile workers. proletariat get paid little and work long hours to produce surplus goods.
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criminal justice system in marxist theory
rich people make the laws and if proletariat don't follow rules they're put into prison- White collar crime- fraud (rich people getting away with crimes)
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causes of family breakdown
dissolution -where parents split after the child is born. dysfunction- where parents cannot provide for their children. Dadlessness-15% of families are created where the child'sfather has never been emotionally involved with the mother.
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functionalist prerequisites
basic needs are known as the functional prerequisites. Davis and Moore-all societies have some form of social stratification . Murdock says families exist in all known human societies. Levy-society would exist if it's members became extinct.
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Examples of functionalist prerequisites
to ensure that members of society don't become extinct a system for reproducing new members is essential. Roles involve role differentiation and role assignment. Levy identifed the basic requirements society needs if members are to survive
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The concept of function
function of the family is to reproduce and socialise new members.
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functionalist criticisms
deterministic- members have little or no control over his or her own actions.
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Card 2

Front

what was the point of doing this?

Back

To demonstrate the interdependence of institutions that society has basic needs that must be met if it is too be maintained and regulated as a smooth, well ordered functioning organism.

Card 3

Front

"Social fact"

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Value consensus

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What did Parsons mean when he explained a persons' social role is the outcome of peoples shared values and goals?

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Preview of the front of card 5
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