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The sociological approach flashcards

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Consensus vs conflict perspectives: Consensus (functionalism): society rests on shared values. Conflict: society rests on competing interests, by class (Marxism) or gender (feminism).
Macro vs micro approaches: Functionalism, Marxism and feminism look at society as a whole (macro). Interactionism looks at small-scale, face-to-face interaction (micro) and stresses agency.
What was Durkheim's view of society?: Durkheim (1858-1917, France) argued shared norms and values hold society together; when rules break down there is anomie (normlessness).
What was Marx's view of society?: Marx (1818-1883) argued class struggle between owners (bourgeoisie) and workers (proletariat) drives change, and ruling class ideology creates false class consciousness.
What did Weber contribute to sociology?: Weber (1864-1920, Germany) saw stratification as class, status and party, with market situation shaping life chances, and identified three types of authority.
Power vs authority: Power is getting others to act as you wish, even against their will. Authority is power accepted as legitimate.
Prejudice vs discrimination: Prejudice is a negative attitude, often based on stereotypes. Discrimination is an action: treating a group less favourably.
Anomie: Normlessness, when rules break down (e.g. Merton: "anything goes" to get rich).