Basics of sociology

Question 1

structural approach

Answer 1

some sociologists adopt a structural approach to studying society -

analysing the impact that social factors have upon individuals

Question 2

social action approach

Answer 2

other sociologists prefer this approach-

one that suggest individuals have free will and are able to make choices

Question 3

Macro-sociology

Answer 3

looks at large-scale social processes, such as social stability and change.

Question 4

structural approach is broken down into what 2 theories ?

Answer 4

Conflict and Consensus

Question 5

Conflict theories

Answer 5

argue that society is divided by two or more groups and that they compete for power and resources

e.g. Marxism, Feminism

Question 6

Consensus theories

Answer 6

suggest that society is balanced and people have a common identity and purpose

e.g. Functionalism (most common)

Question 7

Micro-sociology

Answer 7

looks at small-scale interactions between individuals, such as conversation or group dynamics.

Question 8

what is the most common social action theory

Answer 8

interactionism

Question 9

define interactionism

Answer 9

is a micro-sociological perspective that argues meanings are produced through the interactions of individuals

Question 10

Sociologists definition of gender

Answer 10

refers to the socially constructed characteristics that surround people from across the gender spectrum.

however some may not agree.

Question 11

Gender differences in society

Answer 11

Differences in experience of both males and females in society that sociologists investigate

often utilise quantitative data in order to demonstrate differences but more recent research focused on experiences of gender.

Those identifying as non-binary or non-conforming often not represented in official statistics

Question 12

gender differences in education

Answer 12

Girls achieve higher at all levels of education but face other forms of discrimination such as harassment and being channelled into low paying careers

Boys underachieve in education and often curriculum is accused of being feminised

Bullying of non-binary people is increasing in education

Question 13

Gender differences in crime

Answer 13

Males more likely to commit crimes and often this is linked to their socialisation, attitudes towards masculinity and status within society

Younger males more likely to be victims of crimes- often by other young males

Females more likely to be afraid of being victim of crime and subject to sexual crimes

Question 14

Gender differences in employment

Answer 14

Women earn less on average than males in the workplace- hourly median wage is 7.9% less in 2021- 1/3 of women more likely to be in part time employment (women) compared to 1/6 males

Women less likely to be in leadership roles- 31.5% of CEO of FTSE 350 companies are female

Decline in traditional male jobs since 1970s and claims of feminisation of workplace

Question 15

Evaluating gender differences

Answer 15

Sociology has often been accused of being malestream- focused on male academics, studying issues related to men activities

Significant impact of feminist sociologists on our understanding of society and some progress has been made in western world

gender differences still remain- recent reversals of legislation in the USA and other nations (roe vs wade) recent reappeal removed statutory rights for individual sates in the USA to allow abortions.