Sociological Theories: Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist, Interactionist and Postmodernist
Functionalist Theory
- Functionalist theory, influenced heavily by the work of Émile Durkheim, views society as a complex system whose various parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
- Key concept: Social Consensus - Functionalist theorists argue that individuals agree on shared norms and values, leading to a general social consensus.
- Assumes that social institutions like family, government and education serve vital functions, such as promoting societal harmony, integration, and stability.
- Criticised for its failure to consider inequalities such as race, gender, and class, which can lead to societal tension.
Marxist Theory
- Marxist theory, rooted in the works of Karl Marx, regards society as a consequence of economic conflicts, primarily between classes.
- Key concept: Class Struggle - Marxists believe that societal change occurs through class struggle, specifically the conflict between the ruling capitalist class and the working class.
- Marxists argue that these social classes have varying access to resources, causing conflict.
- Criticised for being too focused on economic factors, while neglecting other social influences.
Feminist Theory
- Feminist theory regards society as fundamentally unequal, specifically in its treatment of men and women.
- Key concept: Gender Inequality - Feminists argue that societies are patriarchal, systematically disadvantaging women.
- This theory has multiple strands including liberal feminism, radical feminism, Marxist feminism, and intersectional feminism. Each offers a different perspective on the female experience.
- It's been criticised for being too broad, as it attempts to represent the experiences of all women, ignoring differences in race, class, and culture.
Interactionist Theory
- Interactionist theory, or symbolic interactionism, places focus on the individual and the meaning they attach to their own and other's actions.
- Key concept: Social Interaction - Interactionists argue that society is the product of everyday interactions between individuals.
- Unlike other theories, symbolic interactionism looks at society on a micro-level, giving emphasis on the subjective and experiential aspects of social life.
- Criticisms include its lack of consideration for broader social structures and forces that influence individual interactions.
Postmodernist Theory
- Postmodernist theory contends that society has moved beyond the modern era, making previous theories inadequate.
- Key concept: Malleable Truth - Postmodernists argue that truth and reality are not fixed, but are instead shaped by individual experiences and societal forces.
- They reject grand theories or "meta-narratives" that attempt to explain society as a whole.
- Critics argue that postmodernism can lead to cynicism and political inaction due to its rejection of absolute truths and narratives.