Theory

Question 1

What are the two main themes in sociological theory?

Answer 1

The extent of consensus and conflict in society, the problem of determinism and choice.

Question 2

How is social order maintained in society?

Answer 2

Through shared norms and values that establish orderly patterns for living together.

Question 3

What does social order refer to?

Answer 3

The relatively stable state of society with shared norms and values.

Question 4

What is determinism in sociology?

Answer 4

The idea that people’s behaviour is moulded by their social surroundings with little free will.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: The problem of _______ and choice addresses how much freedom individuals have to influence society.

Answer 5

determinism

Question 6

True or False: Social order implies that all individuals in society have complete control over their lives.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

What is meant by the term ‘consensus’ in sociological theory?

Answer 7

Agreement among members of society on shared norms and values.

Question 8

What does the theme of conflict in sociology explore?

Answer 8

The disagreements and tensions that arise from differing values and interests in society.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The concept of _______ suggests that individuals have control over the factors influencing their lives.

Answer 9

choice

Question 10

What is the relationship between social order and individual behaviour?

Answer 10

Social order provides a framework that influences individual behaviour.

Question 12

What is functionalism in sociology?

Answer 12

A perspective that views society as a system of interrelated parts working together for stability

Question 13

What analogy is used in functionalism to describe society?

Answer 13

The ‘ORGANIC ANALOGY’

Question 14

In the organic analogy, what does society resemble?

Answer 14

A human body

Question 15

What are vital institutions in society compared to in the organic analogy?

Answer 15

Vital organs in a human body

Question 16

How do the organs/institutions function according to functionalism?

Answer 16

They work ‘INTERDEPENDENTLY’

Question 17

What is the overall purpose of the small units in society according to functionalism?

Answer 17

Overall survival & function

Question 18

What do each organ/institution meet for the body/society?

Answer 18

Certain FUNCTIONAL PRE-REQUISITES

Question 20

What is the role of the family in socialisation?

Answer 20

The family is responsible for primary socialisation of children.

Primary socialisation is the initial phase where children learn values and norms.

Question 21

What is the purpose of education in socialisation?

Answer 21

Education serves as a secondary socialisation tool.

Secondary socialisation occurs after primary socialisation and involves learning broader societal norms.

Question 22

How does religion contribute to value consensus?

Answer 22

Religion develops value consensus by binding people together.

This binding creates a shared sense of belonging and moral understanding.

Question 23

What is social control?

Answer 23

Social control promotes good behaviour through various means.

It includes mechanisms like laws, family discipline, and religious teachings.

Question 24

How does the criminal justice system function in social control?

Answer 24

It promotes good behaviour through fear of persecution for bad behaviour.

This system deters crime by imposing penalties.

Question 25

How does the family contribute to moral development?

Answer 25

The family uses praise and punishment to help develop good morals and values. ## Footnote This process shapes children's understanding of right and wrong.

Question 26

In what way does religion use concepts of Heaven and Hell?

Answer 26

Religion uses concepts of Heaven and Hell to promote conformity. ## Footnote These concepts encourage adherents to follow moral standards.

Question 27

What is the role of education in social integration?

Answer 27

The teaching of religion and history in schools encourages social integration and understanding in society. ## Footnote This fosters a sense of community and shared identity.

Question 28

How does religion create moral communities?

Answer 28

Religion creates moral communities with which people identify. ## Footnote These communities provide support and reinforce shared values.

Question 29

What is the specialised division of labour?

Answer 29

Members of society are encouraged to take their place in the specialised division of labour as workers. ## Footnote This division allows for efficiency and productivity in society.

Question 30

How does the education system encourage skill development?

Answer 30

The education system encourages learning skills and attitudes through exams and qualifications. ## Footnote This prepares individuals for the workforce.

Question 31

What role does the family play in career commitment?

Answer 31

Families encourage us to commit to a career to support our family members. ## Footnote This commitment helps ensure the family's financial stability.

Question 32

What is the relationship between the government and education?

Answer 32

The government provides education for the children of the family. ## Footnote This system relies on families paying taxes to support state functions.

Question 33

How do children contribute to the state as adults?

Answer 33

Children become law-abiding, taxpaying citizens who support the state. ## Footnote This cycle reinforces the dependency between families and the state.

Question 35

What does Functionalism revolve around?

Answer 35

everyone ## Footnote Functionalism emphasizes the importance of all elements of society working together.

Question 36

What is the key word in Functionalism?

Answer 36

FUNCTION ## Footnote The term 'function' signifies the role each part of society plays in maintaining stability.

Question 37

According to Durkheim, what is more important than any individual?

Answer 37

society ## Footnote Durkheim argues that the health of society is paramount for individual development.

Question 38

What must everyone do to ensure society functions?

Answer 38

ensure it functions and survives ## Footnote This collective responsibility is crucial for societal development.

Question 39

What happens to society if it does not function properly?

Answer 39

we would cease to develop and eventually die out ## Footnote A dysfunctional society threatens the survival of its members.

Question 40

What is essential for society's structure according to Functionalism?

Answer 40

CONSENSUS ## Footnote Consensus among members is necessary for social order and stability.

Question 41

Name three key concepts associated with Durkheim's view on society.

Answer 41

* COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE * VALUE CONSENSUS * SOCIAL SOLIDARITY ## Footnote These concepts highlight the shared beliefs and values that bind society together.

Question 42

Whose ideas heavily influenced Durkheim's work?

Answer 42

Thomas Hobbes ## Footnote Hobbes' concept of the social contract was foundational for Durkheim's theories.

Question 43

What is the title of Thomas Hobbes' work that discusses 'THE SOCIAL CONTRACT'?

Answer 43

Leviathan ## Footnote 'Leviathan' outlines Hobbes' views on human nature and the necessity of social order.

Question 44

What is Value Consensus in the context of society?

Answer 44

A shared agreement on values among members of society ## Footnote Value Consensus is crucial for social cohesion and stability.

Question 45

What does Durkheim believe is necessary to prevent Value Consensus from 'atrophying'?

Answer 45

Constant reinforcement through social mechanisms ## Footnote This includes both positive and negative sanctions.

Question 46

What are positive and negative sanctions?

Answer 46

Methods of reinforcing social norms ## Footnote Positive sanctions reward conformity, while negative sanctions punish deviance.

Question 47

How does Functionalism view society?

Answer 47

As emphasizing harmony, unity, and integration ## Footnote Functionalism believes all parts of society work together.

Question 48

What metaphor is used to describe the direction of society in Functionalism?

Answer 48

Pulling in the same direction ## Footnote This metaphor illustrates the cohesive nature of societal elements.

Question 49

What is Functionalism also known as?

Answer 49

Consensus Structuralism ## Footnote This term highlights its focus on social structures and shared values.

Question 50

What is a characteristic of Functionalism as a theory?

Answer 50

It is known as a Grand-Metananative Theory ## Footnote This suggests Functionalism attempts to provide a comprehensive explanation of social phenomena.

Question 51

What can be studied through Functionalism according to the text?

Answer 51

Various institutions such as education and family ## Footnote Functionalism can be applied to understand the role and function of these institutions.

Question 52

How can Functionalism be critiqued?

Answer 52

By questioning its assumptions about harmony and consensus ## Footnote Critics argue it may overlook conflict and change within society.

Question 54

What was Talcott Parsons' central question regarding society?

Answer 54

How is social order possible? How are individuals able to co-operate harmoniously? ## Footnote Parsons aimed to explore the mechanisms behind social order and cooperation.

Question 55

What concept does Parsons use to describe the shared norms and values in society?

Answer 55

Value consensus ## Footnote This concept refers to the set of norms, values, beliefs, and goals that are shared by members of society.

Question 56

What does Parsons believe is the glue that holds society together?

Answer 56

Value consensus ## Footnote Parsons argues that a shared value system is essential for social cohesion.

Question 57

List the four basic needs that all societies need to function according to Parsons.

Answer 57

* Adaptation * Goal attainment * Integration * Latency ## Footnote These needs are essential for societal stability and functioning.

Question 58

How does the education system relate to Parsons' requirements for society?

Answer 58

The education system promotes value consensus and agreement on desirable behavior among pupils ## Footnote Education plays a crucial role in socializing individuals and instilling shared values.

Question 59

True or False: Parsons believed that social order is maintained through conflict.

Answer 59

False ## Footnote Parsons emphasized cooperation and shared values rather than conflict as the basis of social order.

Question 60

Fill in the blank: Parsons' theory suggests that a _______ system is necessary for social order.

Answer 60

central value ## Footnote A central value system helps to align the behaviors and expectations of individuals within society.

Question 62

What are the four basic needs identified by Parsons?

Answer 62

Goal attainment, adaptation, integration, latency ## Footnote These needs represent the essential functions that a society must fulfill to maintain stability.

Question 63

What does the goal attainment function refer to in Parsons' theory?

Answer 63

Ways of making decisions ## Footnote This function emphasizes the political aspects of societal organization.

Question 64

What is the adaptation function in Parsons' framework?

Answer 64

Society needs to provide standard of living ## Footnote This function relates to the economic aspects of how society meets material needs.

Question 65

How does Parsons define the integration function?

Answer 65

Each institution develops in response to functions ## Footnote Integration refers to the social harmony achieved through the interconnectedness of institutions.

Question 66

What does latency refer to in Parsons' theory?

Answer 66

Beliefs and values that help people cope ## Footnote This function addresses the underlying cultural aspects that support societal stability.

Question 67

What is 'pattern maintenance' in the context of latency?

Answer 67

Problems faced when conflicting demands are made of them ## Footnote This concept highlights the challenges individuals face in balancing societal expectations.

Question 68

What is meant by 'tension management' in Parsons' framework?

Answer 68

Motivation for people to belong to society ## Footnote Tension management involves addressing the pressures individuals feel to conform and participate in societal structures.