Functionalism
- Functionalists see society as a system of parts (institutions) that work together, like the organs of a body.
- Society is based on consensus: shared norms and values. Each institution, such as the family or education, has functions that help society run smoothly.
- Key thinkers include Durkheim and Parsons. Critics say functionalism ignores conflict and inequality.
Marxism
- Marxists see society as based on conflict between social classes.
- In capitalist society, the bourgeoisie (the ruling class, who own the means of production) exploit the proletariat (the working class, who sell their labour).
- Institutions such as education and the media spread ruling-class ideas, keeping inequality in place. Critics say Marxism overemphasises class and ignores other inequalities.
Feminism and interactionism
- Feminists see society as patriarchal: dominated by men. Liberal feminists seek equality through changes in law and attitudes; radical feminists see patriarchy everywhere, including in the family; Marxist feminists link women's oppression to capitalism.
- Interactionists study how people create meaning through everyday interactions, and how labels affect behaviour. They focus on small-scale interactions rather than the whole structure of society.
- Structural approaches (functionalism and Marxism) look at the whole of society; interactionism looks at individuals.
Key terms
- Functionalism
- The view that society is a system of parts working together based on consensus.
- Marxism
- The view that society is based on conflict between social classes.
- Bourgeoisie
- The ruling class who own the means of production.
- Proletariat
- The working class who sell their labour.
- Patriarchy
- A society dominated by men.
- Consensus
- Agreement based on shared norms and values.
- Interactionism
- The study of how people create meaning through everyday interactions.