Theory Battle
Which perspective argues that different parts of society work together to maintain stability and social order?
Functionalism
I argued that society requires shared values and social solidarity.
Émile Durkheim
What is a NORM?
A shared rule or expectation about appropriate behaviour.
Everyone stands quietly during an important ceremony because this is the expected behaviour.
Which concept is being demonstrated?
norm
A handshake is polite in one society, while another society commonly uses a different greeting.
Norms/customs vary between cultures.
Which perspective argues that capitalist society is characterised by conflict between social classes?
Marxism
I argued that capitalist society involves conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
WHO AM I?
Karl Marx
What is the difference between STATUS and ROLE?
Status = a social position/prestige associated with a position.
Role = expected behaviour associated with a social position.
People accept speed limits even though this restricts their freedom because traffic laws make roads safer.
Which theory does this demonstrate?
Social Contract Theory
A piece of paper has very little physical value, but millions of people accept it in exchange for valuable goods.
Which concept helps explain MONEY?
Social construct
Which perspective focuses on patriarchy and inequalities between men and women?
Feminism
I am the process through which people learn society's norms, values and expected behaviour.
WHAT AM I?
Socialisation
What is a SOCIAL CONSTRUCT?
Something whose meaning or significance is created/shaped through society and shared social understandings.
QUESTION:
A researcher explains crime mainly through poverty, inequality and someone's social environment.
BIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL or SOCIOLOGICAL?
sociological
HCMC contains doctors, teachers, engineers, drivers, cleaners, farmers and thousands of specialised occupations that depend upon one another.
Which Durkheim concept BEST explains this?
Organic solidarity
A sociologist argues:
“Schools, families and other institutions strongly shape our behaviour.”
Is this mainly STRUCTURALIST or INTERACTIONIST thinking? Explain why.
Structuralist — it emphasises how larger social structures/institutions shape individuals.
I describe cohesion in modern societies where people perform specialised roles and depend upon one another.
WHAT AM I?
Organic solidarity
What is the difference between POWER and IDEOLOGY?
Power = ability to influence/control others.
Ideology = a system of ideas/beliefs that shapes how people understand society.
A teenager behaves differently around their parents, teachers and friends because each group has different expectations.
Which TWO concepts could help explain this?
Social roles + norms/socialisation
A boy is repeatedly told that “boys shouldn't cry” by friends, family and media.
Explain this using TWO sociological concepts.
Possible answers:
Gender norms + socialisation
Gender roles + socialisation
Social construction of gender + socialisation
Two sociologists study school rules.
Sociologist A: “Rules create shared expectations and social order.”
Sociologist B: “Rules train young people to accept hierarchy and authority.”
A = Functionalism
B = Marxism
I am the freedom individuals have to make choices and influence their social world rather than simply being controlled by social structures.
WHAT AM I?
Human agency
Explain the difference between MECHANICAL SOLIDARITY and ORGANIC SOLIDARITY.
Mechanical → cohesion through similarity/shared beliefs, associated with simpler/traditional societies.
Organic → cohesion through specialised roles and interdependence, associated with complex modern societies.
A wealthy student believes their success is entirely the result of hard work. A Marxist argues that the student is overlooking the advantages provided by their social class.
Which Marxist idea could be applied?
Ideology / class inequality.
A school introduces strict punctuality, uniforms, timetables and behavioural rules.
Give ONE Functionalist interpretation and ONE Marxist interpretation.
Functionalist → teaches shared norms/discipline and helps prepare students to function in society.
Marxist → may socialise students into hierarchy, discipline and acceptance of authority associated with capitalist workplaces.
A student refuses to follow a peer-group norm even though friends pressure them to conform.
Explain how BOTH structuralism and interactionism could interpret the situation.
ANSWER:
Structuralism → social structures/groups create pressures and expectations that shape behaviour.
Interactionism → the individual interprets the situation and can exercise human agency rather than simply accepting the norm.
QUESTION:
I am a Marxist concept describing ideas that can make unequal social arrangements appear natural, fair or acceptable, potentially obscuring class interests.
WHAT AM I?
Ideology
Accept “dominant ideology” if properly explained.
A society strongly values academic achievement. Students therefore study long hours, and being a “top student” brings considerable prestige.
Identify THREE different sociological concepts demonstrated here.
Value → academic achievement is considered important.
Norm → expectation that students should study/work hard.
Status → prestige attached to being a top student.
Role → expectations attached to being a student.
A teenager's family expects them to follow a traditional career path. Their school encourages academic success, their friends value creativity, and online communities introduce them to completely different lifestyles. They eventually choose their own path.
Which TWO broad sociological ideas create the MAIN tension in this scenario?
Social structure/socialisation vs human agency.
Two students experience the SAME school.
STUDENT A:
“School taught me cooperation, responsibility and skills I need for society.”
STUDENT B:
“School taught me to obey authority and accept inequality.”
Identify the TWO perspectives AND explain why the SAME institution can be interpreted so differently.
Student A → Functionalism
Student B → Marxism