Structuralist theories in sociology
Sociological theories can be characterised as falling into two main branches, structural perspective and social action perspective. They both attempt to explain how people behave in society but differ in the way they approach the analysis of it. Structuralism is an idea based on the assumption that the actions of humans are structured by the social environment. It is the way these structures behave that determine how we behave. This essay will be concerned with the structural approach and the main structural theories, consensus theory (functionalism) and conflict theory. Functionalists stress how common values are the starting point for social organisation. For them it is important to look at society as a whole and not the individual, they explore the ways in which the various institutions, such as education and family, make up society to maintain social order. Conflict theory stresses how common values are the end result of economic organisation and inequality. They see society as divided into social classes, which have the potential to be in conflict with each other. Most sociologists today believe that using a combination of theories, or a holistic approach is the best way to understand and explain society. An Amer
In regards to Parsons and value consensus, some say that this consensus is assumed, as there is no evidence to show it actually exists. However it too ignores individuals in society so therefore again is very deterministic. It is also good at explaining social phenomena, for instance Durkheim work on suicide. Alvin Gouldner states, ' While stressing the importance of the ends and values that men pursue, Parsons never asks whose ends and values these are. Society is seen as a system whereby all the interconnected parts fit together to form a whole. Society works together on the basis of norms and values, acceptable behaviour and social relationships. Talcott Parsons also believed society was based on shared agreement but also claimed that social life was made up os units, each unit being a social system. ican sociologist C Wright Mills referred to the ability to study the structure of society and the individual at the same time as 'sociological imagination. This requires an agreement on values, known as value consensus. Antonio Gramsci first used the term 'hegemony', accepted domination, and the ruling elite forcing ideas on society and in the process, gaining acceptance form society to do so. They also argue that in one form or another groups in society have different interests. Consensus theories allow us to look at society as a whole and looks at and refers to social structures when analysing social behaviour. It also is good at explaining the reasons for conflict and why society has to change. Marxism is based on a simple observation, in order to survive humans must produce food and material goods, in doing this they enter into social relationships with other people' (haralambos page 11).
Common topics in this essay:
Antonio Gramsci,
Talcott Parsons,
Marx Marxism,
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Wright Mills,
Parsons Durkheim,
Alvin Gouldner,
Karl Marx's,
social system,
ruling class,
norms values,
haralambos page,
social relationships,
value consensus,
social conflict,
structural approach,
functionalists stress,
social classes,
society divided social,
classes potential conflict,
divided social classes,
social classes potential,
values value consensus,
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Acceptance Essays
