Sociological Debates (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7192
Consensus vs conflict theories
Sociologists disagree on why societies are organised in particular ways
This is why there are different theoretical perspectives or approaches, such as
Functionalism
Marxism
Feminism
Social action theory/interpretivism
Postmodernism
These perspectives differ in their views on how society is held together
Some perspectives believe that society is based on conflict (disagreement and disharmony)
Others believe society is based on consensus (shared agreement and harmony)
The consensus approach sees society in positive terms
The conflict approach is critical of the way society is organised
Consensus approach | Conflict approach | |
|---|---|---|
Core argument | Society works best when individuals and groups cooperate, sharing norms and values. This shared agreement maintains order and stability. | Society is structured to benefit powerful groups at the expense of others. It is based on inequality, competition, and conflict. |
Sociological perspectives | Functionalism is a consensus theory. It argues that value consensus (agreement on norms and values) is created through socialisation, leading to a sense of unity and social order. | Marxism and Feminism are conflict theories. Marxists focus on class conflict between the bourgeoisie and the working class. Feminists focus on gender inequality and patriarchy. |
How is social order maintained? | Social order is kept through shared goals, rules, and moral values. People conform because they believe in the system and see it as fair. | Social order is maintained by the dominant group’s control over laws, media, and institutions, which enforces their power and suppresses resistance. |
Structural theories vs the social action view
The sociological perspectives also differ in their views about how behaviour is shaped – structure vs individual
Sociologists disagree on whether society influences people or whether people influence society
Structural theories of society | Social action (interpretivist) view | |
|---|---|---|
Core argument | Society is structured and organised through institutions (e.g., family, education, religion). These structures shape and control individual behaviour. People are seen as "puppets of society". | Individuals have free will and are aware of their surroundings. They actively make choices and can reject social expectations. People are seen as "architects of society". |
Approach: macro vs micro | Takes a macro approach – focuses on large-scale structures and how they influence individuals and maintain social order. Society is seen as more powerful than the individual. | Takes a micro approach – focuses on small-scale interactions and how people give meaning to situations. The individual is seen as more important than society. |
Sociological perspectives | Functionalism, Marxism, and feminism are structural theories. | Interpretivism and labelling theory are examples of social action theories. |
Some sociologists, such as Giddens, argue that both social structures and individual actions play an equal role in shaping human behaviour
According to this view, social structures are created and maintained through the repeated actions and interactions of individuals over time
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