Theoretical Perspectives

Question 1

1. Structural Functionalist

Answer 1

• Purpose: to study how social structures function to serve the needs of society

Question 2

2. Conflict Theory

Answer 2

To study how power forms the basis of relationships between different groups and creates conflict

Question 3

3. Symbolic Interactionist

Answer 3

Purpose: to study the individual’s role and place within the wider society and how people create their world through social interactions To examine how a physical environment & social structures determine individual behaviour

Question 4

4. Culture Materialist

Answer 4

Cultural Materialists believe that all societies operate according to a model in which production and reproduction dominate and determine the other sectors of culture

Question 5

5. Feminist Theory

Answer 5

It strives to raise awareness about inequality and to work toward social and political change.

Question 6

Semiotics

Answer 6

It is the study of signs and the roles that they play in our everyday lives.

Question 7

Icon

Answer 7

Icon - a sign that physically resembles what it stands for - a literal sign

Question 8

Index

Answer 8

Index - a sign which implies some other object or event - an implied sign

Question 9

Symbol

Answer 9

Symbol - a sign with a conventional or arbitrary relation to the signified- a learned sign