Theory Summaries

Each theory summed up in 5 bullet points

Marxism:

Conflict theory
Structural / Top down / Macro theory
Conflict between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat)
Bourgeoisie own all means of production, proletariat are exploited by the ruling class and make the bourgeoisie money
The proletariat are not conscious that their situation is as unfair as it really is. They have taken on beliefs and values that benefit the ruling class - this is called false consciousness

Conflict / Structural / Top down theory - conflict between men and women
Feminists believe society is patriarchal (male dominated) and women are at a disadvantage
Radical - believe the oppression of women is a universal feature of all societies. Men aggressively exercise their physical, economic and cultural power to dominate in all areas, especially personal relations - there are no good guys!
Liberal - they focus on how social institutions such as the family, education and mass media encourage male exploitation of women. They believe equality can be brought about by legal reform.
Marxist - see women’s oppression as a product of the economic position of women.

Consensus theory
Structural / Top down / Macro theory
All institutions in society work together in harmony and everything has a function
Organic analogy - all social institutions are like the different parts of the human body. For society to work you need all parts.
Value consensus, social cohesion and social solidarity

Bottom up / Micro theory
Looks at small scale human interactions
They believe all actions are meaningful to the individual - need to look at the meaning behind the action
Belief that the individuals actions shape society
Core aspect is labelling theory

Based on consensus so closely linked to Functionalism
Has very conservative ideas
Against the Welfare State as they believe it encourages people to rely on benefits - discuss the development of an underclass
Believe break down in nuclear family causes many of our social problems (e.g. delinquents)
Has influenced social policy

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