Theoretical Perspectives Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is a social structure?
Refers to the framework of society, that is, the patterns around which society is organized.
This is the structure and culture of society in which relationships develop in the social group and establishes how we relate to one another both within the family and among family units.
What are social institutions?
Represent an enduring, organized system of behavioural patterns that each
society develops to meet its basic needs.
What is social order?
According to Haralambos and Holborn (2013) “It form the basis of social unity or social solidarity, since individual will tend to identify and feel kinship with those who share the same values as themselves (p.11).
Define Socialization
“A lifelong social experience by which individuals construct their personal biography, assemble daily interactional rules and come to terms with the wider patterns of their culture.” (Macionis & Plummer, 2012: 208-9)
Primary Socialization
• Considered the most important aspect of the process
• Takes place during infancy and within the context of a family
Secondary Socialization
• Occurs after infancy
• Builds on the process of primary socialization
• Less hierarchical
Re-socialization
• Process of learning new standards, values, cultures (rehabilitation).
• Usually relevant to adults
• Adapting to a new work environment
• Incarceration – rehabilitation; behaviour modification through environment manipulation
• Institutionalization – behaviour modification
Reverse Socialization
• Similar to re-socialization but with adults being socialized by younger persons, having to learn the new norms and values of the society.
• Usually occurs when social change is rapid and adults have to catch up. Adjusting to/ learning new technologies.
Macro Perspective
The macro approach looks at the wider impact of society on the individual
and how this shapes his/her behaviour.
What perspectives are under the Macro approach?
This is the approach of both the functionalist and the conflict perspectives.
What is Functionalism?
Functionalism sees the individual as being influenced by society through social facts which are norms, values, rules, regulations, and laws. These coerce the individual into acting.
Who are the main theorists of Functionalism?
The main theorists of functionalism are Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons.
Functionalism - Organic Approach
Durkheim structural functionalism adopted an organic approach to society in which the various parts are seen as interrelated and interdependent.
According to Haralambos and Holborn (2013), “the functionalists will examine a part of society, such as the family, in terms of its contribution to the maintenance of the social system”.
Social Facts
Durkheim believed that social facts are things such as the belief systems, customs and institutions of society. They exist outside the individual and so coerces his/her behaviour. Laws, rules regulations and methods of socialisation are all considered social facts Haralambos and Holborn (2013.
p.879-880).
Value Consensus
A value consensus is a shared agreement among a group of people about what is important or valuable.
Members of society based their integration on value consensus, and on
agreement about values, (Haralambos and Holborn 2013, p.880).
Mechanical Solidarity
This type of solidarity is typical in traditional, pre-industrial societies where social cohesion is based on the similarity of individuals.
Characteristics: In such societies, people perform similar tasks, share common beliefs and values, and have a strong collective conscience. The unity of the society comes from these shared experiences and similarities. Social norms and laws are often enforced through collective pressure and are focused on maintaining conformity.
Organic Solidarity
This form of solidarity is found in modern, industrial societies where there is a complex division of labor.
Characteristics: In these societies, individuals perform specialized roles and rely on each other to meet their diverse needs. Social cohesion arises not from similarities but from the interdependence created by specialized tasks. People have different roles, but their cooperation ensures the smooth
functioning of society. Social norms and laws are designed to manage relationships between individuals with diverse roles and responsibilities.
Criticism of Functionalism
• Pays too little attention to the human construction of social reality
• Pays too much attention to social order
• Assumes too much importance to consensus.
Conflict/Marxist Perspective
The conflict theories see the economic system as the driving force behind individual’s action. According to Marxist theory, the economic system forms the basis of society or the infrastructure and the norms, values, and beliefs make up the superstructure.
Characteristics of the Marxist Perspective
• Opposes Functionalism
• Emphasizes “conflict as an inevitable fact of social life and as the most important agent for social change.” (Ferrante, 2006: 43)
• H&H, 2012: 39 – “the conflict perspective helps us to see how inequality and the conflict it generates are rooted in the organization of society itself.”
• Asserts that discord and disunity are common and persistent features of society
• Conflict is perpetuated between the different groups and classes in society due to varying interests and inequalities.
Class Conflict
Class conflict is a central concept in Marxist theory, referring to the tensions and struggles between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class).
The Proletariat
The proletariat, or working class, comprises individuals who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to earn a living. They work in various industries and service sectors, often under conditions set by the bourgeoisie.
Characteristics:
● Labor: Members of the proletariat work for wages or salaries, and their labor is a commodity bought by the bourgeoisie.
● Exploitation: According to Marx, the proletariat is exploited because they produce value through their labor that exceeds the value of their wages, with the surplus value appropriated by the bourgeoisie as profit.
● Lack of Control: The proletariat typically has limited control over their working conditions and the broader economic system, leading to economic vulnerability and dependence on their employers.
Example: In a factory setting, workers on the assembly line or office employees who perform administrative tasks represent the proletariat. For example, factory workers in a car manufacturing plant or cashiers at a retail store fall into this category.
They sell their labor to earn wages but do not benefit directly from the profits made by the company.
The Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class, consists of individuals who own and control the means of production, such as factories, businesses, and land. They are the economic elite who derive their wealth from capital investments and the profits generated by these investments.
Characteristics:
● Ownership: They own the means of production and therefore have significant control over economic and social resources.
● Profit Motive: Their primary goal is to generate profit, which often involves exploiting the labor of the proletariat.
● Social Power: The bourgeoisie often holds significant social and political power, influencing laws, policies, and ideologies that protect and enhance their economic interests
Micro Perspective
The failure to include the individuals within the main discussion about social change and social order results in these macro perspectives leaving gaps in their discussions about society and the behaviour of groups and social institutions in society. The micro perspectives fill the gaps in this regard. They look at society from the point of view of the individual.
They are also concerned with how the individual’s behaviour is shaped by his/her interactions, the use of symbols and the meaning they placed on these symbols.
