Sociology - Theories

Sociology - Theories

1. Functionalism

   • Sees society as a greater than a sum of its component parts
     • All component parts "function" together in an agreed way to produce something greater than all of them added together
       • "Parts" refers to objects, ideas, norms, structures, institutions, values, beliefs
       • Altering one function affects the whole
         • Other parts may adapt to compensate for any dysfunction
   • Strengths - "Positive" out look
   • Weaknesses - Tends to ignore social change, out of date/old fashioned, neglects to look at causes of social problems

2. Feminism

   • Argues that society should be studied from a "gender" base
     • Society is made up of gender roles
       • Humans are socialised into gender roles from birth
   • Focuses on the subordinate role of women
     • Subordinate: Lower in rank or position
   • Advocates equality for both genders
   • Biological differences are natural BUT gender differences are socially constructed
     • Women are socialised into weaker positions

3. Interactionism

   • Contrasts structural approaches
     • Emphasises the impact of "the individual"
   • Focuses on interpreting meanings which people give to social actions
   • The influences of society is denied but acknowledged as something which is changeable via action or perspective of an individual
   • Symbols are the foundations on which interactions are built
     • Interpretation of the symbol is important in order to understand the social behaviour

4. Conflict Theory

   • Sees society composed of opposing groups
     • Conflicting for share of (scarce) recsources
     • Dominant group emerges
       • Dominant group sets the agenda as it has POWER
   • Society is held together by coerced/control/constraint inforced by dominant groups

5. THEORIES EXPLAINED

   • Explain behaviours of peoples in groups
     • Explain aspects of society from different perspectives