Sociological Approaches & Debates (AQA GCSE Sociology): Flashcards
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Which theoretical perspective did Marx's ideas inspire?
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Which theoretical perspective did Marx's ideas inspire?
Marx's ideas inspired Marxism, which has led to a great deal of research on social class.
Define means of production.
The means of production are the raw materials or machinery used in production, such as factories, big businesses and land.
Define bourgeoisie.
The bourgeoisie are the minority ruling class who own the means of production and private property.
The majority working class, who own nothing but their ability to work as wage labourers, are called the .
The majority working class, who own nothing but their ability to work as wage labourers, are called the proletariat.
True or False?
Marx argued that the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat is based on cooperation.
False.
Marx argued the relationship is based on exploitation, because the bourgeoisie maximise profits while paying the proletariat low wages.
According to Marx, what is the key to social change?
Marx argued that the class struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie is the key to social change.
What did Marx believe would replace capitalism after a social revolution?
Marx believed a revolution would lead to communism, a classless society in which the means of production are owned collectively.
Give one criticism of Marx's ideas.
Critics argue that Marx ignored divisions based on gender and ethnicity, and that his theories are out of date because Britain has not had a revolution.
Which sociological perspective did Durkheim help to develop?
Durkheim played a significant role in developing the functionalist perspective.
True or False?
Functionalists argue that social institutions exist mainly to benefit the ruling class.
False.
Functionalists argue that social institutions perform functions that meet society's needs and help it run smoothly.
Functionalists compare social institutions to the organs of the , as each part performs a function that helps the whole survive.
Functionalists compare social institutions to the organs of the human body, as each part performs a function that helps the whole survive.
According to Durkheim, how can punishing offenders benefit society?
Durkheim argued that punishing offenders promotes social cohesion by uniting people around shared values and beliefs.
What is one criticism of the functionalist approach?
One criticism is that functionalism overlooks the dysfunctional aspects of institutions, such as domestic abuse within families.
Which theory did Weber's focus on small-scale interactions help to develop?
Weber's recognition that small-scale interactions influence behaviour informed the development of social action theory.
According to Weber, what besides property ownership affects a person's social class?
Weber argued that class is also affected by skills and qualifications, which shape the jobs people get.
Define status.
Status is the amount of prestige or social standing a group has, such as the high status of judges and surgeons.
True or False?
Weber argued that groups with high incomes always have high status.
False.
Weber argued that status and income are not always related; for example, used car sellers may have high incomes but low status.
Define power.
According to Weber, power is the ability of an individual or group to get what they want despite opposition from others.
Define consensus approach.
The consensus approach sees society in positive terms, arguing that collaboration between individuals and groups working towards common goals maintains order and stability.
Define conflict approach.
The conflict approach is critical of how society is organised, arguing that its structure gives power to some groups over others.
True or False?
Marxism is an example of a consensus approach.
False.
Marxism is a conflict theory which sees capitalist societies as based on conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
Define value consensus.
Value consensus is where people agree with society's norms and values, which functionalists see as the basis of society.
According to functionalists, where does value consensus come from?
Functionalists argue that value consensus comes from the socialisation process, during which people learn society's norms and values.
According to functionalists, how is social order maintained?
Functionalists argue that social order is maintained because most people support and follow the rules.
According to Marxists, how is social order maintained?
Marxists argue that social order is maintained because the bourgeoisie have the power to enforce order by influencing which laws are passed.
What do feminist perspectives explore?
Feminist perspectives explore gender inequality, sexism and discrimination in society.
Some feminist approaches see society as , as men have power over and dominate women.
Some feminist approaches see society as patriarchal, as men have power over and dominate women.
What examples do feminists give of male dominance in family life?
Feminists point to domestic violence and men's control over decision-making as examples of male dominance in family life.
What do interactionist sociologists focus on?
Interactionists focus on small-scale interactions between individuals and groups, rather than the large-scale workings of society.
Interactionists seek to understand the that people give to actions and situations, usually by using qualitative research methods.
Interactionists seek to understand the meanings that people give to actions and situations, usually by using qualitative research methods.
True or False?
Interactionists aim to develop large-scale theories about how society works.
False.
Interactionists are not interested in developing theories about society; they believe the many daily interactions between individuals shape society.
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