Theories

Question 1

Symbolic interactionism

Answer 1

• The individual is at the centre of
  understanding society.
• Social values and roles are formed by
  individual interpretation
• Individual creates a sense of self by the
  reactions of others
  -Social life depends on our ability to imagine
  ourselves in our social roles AND the ability
  to see ourselves reflected in the
  experiences of those around us.
• The behaviour of others in society is
  rooted in our response and reaction to it,
  this dependent relationship is what allows
  society to function smoothly.
• We accept roles for ourselves in order to
  fit into the society in which we live →
  different societies have defined these roles
  differently

Question 2

Structural functionalism

Answer 2

its view is that various segments of society (structures) serve a purpose (function) for the society as a whole.
A society is stable when social institutions (e.g. family, religion, politics, etc.) meet the needs of its citizens.
theory doesn’t account for destructive forces within society (e.g. racism, poverty); structural functionalists are so focused on how social structures are POSITIVE that they often overlook important issues like poverty that have deep roots in the structures of society.

Question 3

Feminist theory

Answer 3

Concluded that women were marginalized, deprived of power, without equal membership in society
Society was patriarchal (favouring men)
Society is based on male authority and constructed to favour men
Women’s movement (1960’s and 1970’s) → started to advocate for change.

Question 4

Conflict theory

Answer 4

Power is what holds society together
Power forms the basis of the relationships between different groups and creates social conflict
People compete against each other; can bring about change which leads to progress or improvement.
Karl Marx studied social classes and their problems and demands; argued that working class is in a perennial struggle with management which leads to problems in society.