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Unlock This CourseSociology is all about understanding how society works and why people behave the way they do in groups. To make sense of the complex social world, sociologists use different perspectives or 'lenses' to view society. Think of these as different pairs of glasses - each one helps you see society in a unique way!
Key Definitions:
Society is complex! No single theory can explain everything about how people interact, why inequality exists, or how social change happens. Each approach focuses on different aspects of society, asks different questions and offers unique insights. Together, they give us a more complete picture of social life.
Sociological approaches can focus on either the big picture (macro) or small-scale interactions (micro). Macro approaches (like functionalism and Marxism) look at large social structures, while micro approaches (like interactionism) examine everyday interactions between individuals.
Functionalism sees society as a complex system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability and social order - like organs in a body. Each part of society serves a function that contributes to the whole.
Functionalists believe that social institutions (like family, education, religion) exist because they serve important functions for society. They focus on how these institutions help maintain social stability and consensus.
Teaches shared values, provides skills for future jobs and sorts people into appropriate roles based on merit.
Socialises children, provides emotional support and regulates sexual behaviour and reproduction.
Creates social cohesion, provides moral guidance and helps people cope with uncertainty.
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917): Studied how social integration affects suicide rates and developed the concept of 'collective conscience'.
Talcott Parsons (1902-1979): Developed the AGIL model (Adaptation, Goal attainment, Integration, Latency) to explain how societies maintain themselves.
Marxism focuses on inequality and conflict between social classes. Unlike functionalists who see harmony, Marxists see society as based on conflict between those who own the means of production (bourgeoisie) and those who sell their labour (proletariat).
Marxists argue that capitalism creates exploitation and inequality. They believe that social institutions maintain the power of the ruling class and that social change comes through class conflict.
Marxists believe the economic system (the base) determines the shape of other institutions like education, family and politics (the superstructure). In capitalism, these institutions serve the interests of the wealthy.
The ruling class maintains power not just through economic control but also through ideology - ideas that make inequality seem natural or inevitable. This 'false consciousness' prevents workers from recognising their exploitation.
Karl Marx (1818-1883): Developed the theory of historical materialism and predicted that capitalism would eventually be overthrown by workers' revolution.
Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937): Introduced the concept of 'hegemony' to explain how the ruling class maintains power through cultural dominance rather than just force.
Feminism examines gender inequality and the experiences of women in society. Feminists argue that society is patriarchal - organised in ways that privilege men and disadvantage women.
There isn't just one feminist perspective. Different strands of feminism focus on different aspects of gender inequality:
Focuses on achieving equal rights and opportunities through legal reform and changing attitudes. Believes gender inequality can be addressed within existing social structures.
Sees patriarchy as the primary form of oppression. Argues that male power is rooted in control of women's bodies and reproduction. Calls for fundamental social transformation.
Links women's oppression to capitalism. Argues that women's unpaid domestic labour benefits capitalism by reproducing the workforce at no cost.
Ann Oakley (b. 1944): Researched how gender roles are socially constructed rather than biologically determined.
bell hooks (1952-2021): Highlighted how gender oppression intersects with race and class, developing 'intersectional feminism'.
Each sociological perspective has its strengths and limitations. The best sociological analysis often draws on multiple perspectives to gain a fuller understanding of social issues.
Let's see how these different perspectives might interpret the same social issue:
Functionalist view: Educational differences reflect different abilities and effort. The education system fairly sorts people into appropriate roles based on merit.
Marxist view: Educational inequality reflects and reproduces class inequality. Working-class students receive education that prepares them for working-class jobs, while middle-class students are prepared for professional careers.
Feminist view: Gender stereotypes in education channel boys and girls into different subjects and career paths. This contributes to occupational segregation and the gender pay gap.
No single sociological approach can explain everything about society. Each perspective has its strengths and blind spots. By using multiple perspectives, sociologists can develop a more complete understanding of social phenomena.
When studying any social issue for your iGCSE Sociology, try to consider how different perspectives would interpret it. This will help you develop a balanced and critical understanding of society.
In your exams, you'll often be asked to apply different perspectives to social issues. Make sure you can outline the key ideas of each approach and apply them to topics like family, education, crime and social inequality.
Remember that sociologists don't just describe society - they also evaluate and critique it. Each perspective offers not just a description of how society works, but also ideas about how it could be improved.