Marxism views society as based on conflict between social classes rather than consensus. Marxists see the nuclear family as benefitting capitalism by [1] reproducing laborers to serve the needs of industry, [2] socializing children to accept their place within the capitalist system, and [3] ideologically supporting capitalism. However, Marxism has been criticized for being too deterministic and ignoring diversity in modern family forms.
Marx & Mother Nature: An Eco-materialist Conception of HistoryCraig Collins, Ph.D.
Reformulation of Marx's historical materialism that integrates history, energy & ecology. In doing so, it successfully answers many of the central questions that traditional Marxism has been unable to answer.
Marx & Mother Nature: An Eco-materialist Conception of HistoryCraig Collins, Ph.D.
Reformulation of Marx's historical materialism that integrates history, energy & ecology. In doing so, it successfully answers many of the central questions that traditional Marxism has been unable to answer.
Introduction to SociologyGUIDELINES FOR PAPER ONEPaper On.docxmariuse18nolet
Introduction to Sociology
GUIDELINES FOR PAPER ONE
Paper One will consist of two parts. PART I should be a contrast/comparison of each of the three major sociological perspectives discussed in class. Please compare/contrast each of the three on the basis of the image of society offered by each, the image of social change, the fundamental elements and questions asked by sociologists within each perspective. Also mention the major classic theorists and some of their contributions. Please discuss how each of the perspectives reflects the time and place in which the theorists were writing, putting their ideas into a social and historical context.
PART II will consist of the APPLICATION part of the paper. Choose some social phenomena (marriage, homelessness, crime , video games--could be ANYTHING that relates to human behavior) and then describe how a sociologist from each of the three perspectives would go about studying the phenomena from that particular perspective. What sorts of questions might he or she ask? How would the phenomena be viewed, what aspects would the sociologist be interested in?
Papers should be 5 to 7 pages in length. You should refer to portions of the text, readings, and/or class notes when describing concepts (and be sure to include a reference page). Citation style may be APA, MLA, or any other format you are familiar with (or that is required for your particular major). Criteria for grading the papers are as follows:
1. Paper must be well written and well organized--it may be helpful to break it down into sections.
2. Responsiveness--don’t just strive to “fill pages”--make sure to respond to the requirements of the assignment, and you will easily have enough pages.
3. Creativity/originality--Expand your mind! Be creative in the examples you use, and/or in the way you apply the theories.
4. Use of text materials and class notes--Good papers will weave together the concepts in the books with “real life” examples. Again, have a reference page.
Three Theoretical Frameworks
Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, & Symbolic Interaction
I. STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM
A MACRO level theory –Focuses on large scale structures and institutions
Views a “society” as a “whole” consisting of interdependent and interrelated “parts.” The parts serve “functions” for the benefit of the whole.
One could envision the “parts” of a society as the different social institutions, social classes, or social groups—or, we could even envision PEOPLE as the parts!
Structural functionalists are interested in how to maintain social ORDER and STABILITY.
Image of Society: A living ORGANISM, with each part of the organism fulfilling a vital function for the whole
Image of Social change: Social changes proceeds in a gradual, linear, adaptive fashion—EVOLUTIONARY!
Fundamental Elements: Society is based upon SHARED VALUES—when values begin to deteriorate, so does society!
IMPORTANT EARLY THEORISTS
.
Introduction to SociologyInstructor Glenna L. SimonsGUIDEL.docxmariuse18nolet
Introduction to Sociology
Instructor: Glenna L. Simons
GUIDELINES FOR PAPER ONE
Paper One will consist of two parts. PART I should be a contrast/comparison of each of the three major sociological perspectives discussed in class. Please compare/contrast each of the three on the basis of the image of society offered by each, the image of social change, the fundamental elements and questions asked by sociologists within each perspective. Also mention the major classic theorists and some of their contributions. Please discuss how each of the perspectives reflects the time and place in which the theorists were writing, putting their ideas into a social and historical context.
PART II will consist of the APPLICATION part of the paper. Choose some social phenomena (marriage, homelessness, crime , video games--could be ANYTHING that relates to human behavior) and then describe how a sociologist from each of the three perspectives would go about studying the phenomena from that particular perspective. What sorts of questions might he or she ask? How would the phenomena be viewed, what aspects would the sociologist be interested in?
Papers should be 5 to 7 pages in length. You should refer to portions of the text, readings, and/or class notes when describing concepts (and be sure to include a reference page). Citation style may be APA, MLA, or any other format you are familiar with (or that is required for your particular major). Criteria for grading the papers are as follows:
1. Paper must be well written and well organized--it may be helpful to break it down into sections.
2. Responsiveness--don’t just strive to “fill pages”--make sure to respond to the requirements of the assignment, and you will easily have enough pages.
3. Creativity/originality--Expand your mind! Be creative in the examples you use, and/or in the way you apply the theories.
4. Use of text materials and class notes--Good papers will weave together the concepts in the books with “real life” examples. Again, have a reference page.
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN WITH THIS ---GET CREATIVE! J
Three Theoretical Frameworks
Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, & Symbolic Interaction
I. STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM
A MACRO level theory –Focuses on large scale structures and institutions
Views a “society” as a “whole” consisting of interdependent and interrelated “parts.” The parts serve “functions” for the benefit of the whole.
One could envision the “parts” of a society as the different social institutions, social classes, or social groups—or, we could even envision PEOPLE as the parts!
Structural functionalists are interested in how to maintain social ORDER and STABILITY.
Image of Society: A living ORGANISM, with each part of the organism fulfilling a vital function for the whole
Image of Social change: Social changes proceeds in a gradual, linear, adaptive fashion—EVOLUTIONARY!
Fundamental Elements: Society is based upon SHARED VALUES—wh.
3 Parts Label the Question #’s that was answeredRead the instruc.docxtamicawaysmith
3 Parts Label the Question #’s that was answered
Read the instructions and questions carefully before you answer.
Part I. Short Essay (60% for Part I, 20% per question). Answer three of the following five questions
(suggested length: 2 paragraphs each; est. time for this section: 35-40 mins).
1. According to Weber and Marx, why do people participate in capitalism? What are the main differences in their views?
2. Marx argued that capitalism has two main types of circulation: C-M-C and M-C-M’. How do these two types of circulation explain the widening inequality between workers (the proletariat) and capitalists (the bourgeoisie)?
3. Marx argued that the economic base of a society is the most important cause of the superstructure (the realm of ideas, culture, and the government). Does Du Bois agree, disagree, or both? How?
4. Smith and Marx both saw the division of labor as a key element of capitalism. Define the division of labor. Describe one way in which Smith and Marx agree about the consequences of the division of labor and one way in which Smith and Marx disagree about the consequences of the division of labor.
5. Marx argues that as capitalism develops, people should gain a clearer understanding of their class interests. Does Weber agree, disagree, or both? How?
PART II. Text Commentary (30%). choose only one of these two texts.
(suggested length: 3-4 paragraphs; est. time: 20-25 mins)
Analyze one of the two texts below. Your analysis should have three parts:
(1) Explain the meaning of each text in your own words.
(2) Analyze its significance to the author’s general theory.
(3) Tell us whether or not you believe this text is relevant for understanding social life today and why.
IIA- FROM W. E. B. DU BOIS, BLACK RECONSTRUCTION IN AMERICA
“The theory of laboring class unity rests upon the assumption that laborers, despite internal jealousies, will unite because of their opposition to exploitation by the capitalists. According to this, even after a part of the poor white laboring class became identified with the planters, and eventually displaced them, their interests would be diametrically opposed to those of the mass of white labor, and of course to those of the black laborers. This would throw white and black labor into one class, and precipitate a united fight for higher wage and better working conditions. Most persons do not realize how far this failed to work in the South, and it failed to work because the theory of race was supplemented by a carefully planned and slowly evolved method, which drove such a wedge between the white and black workers that there probably are not today in the world two groups of workers with practically identical interests who hate and fear each other so deeply and persistently and who are kept so far apart that neither sees anything of common interest. It must be remembered that the white group of laborers, while they received a low wage, were compensated in part by a sort of public and psychol ...
Here is my second uploaded presentation, Marxist Approach in literary criticism. There are instructions herein. Should you need the activities, please contact me via my email address: fgbulusan_gmail@yahoo.com or my pm me via my FB account. I am always willing to lecture about this topic. Contact me via my cellular number 0935-918-3854. Thanks!
introduction: Social theory refers to ideas, arguments, hypotheses, thought experiments, and explanatory speculations about how and why human societies or elements or structures of such societies come to be formed, change, and develop over time or disappear
There are five social theories
Functionalism
Marxism
Feminism
Interactionism
Postmodernism
functionalism: A structural consensus theory that emphasizes the positive functions performed by social institutions in maintaining social order and value consensus, key theorists associated with functionalism include Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons.
maziszm: Marx’s social conflict theory argues societies are divided based on social class —the bourgeoisie owning capital and the proletariat working for low wages.
Marxism highlights the exploitative relationship between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, where workers are paid less than the value of what they produce.
Meanwhile, capitalism, which is the opposite of communism, allows private individuals with capital to invest, make money, and retain profit.
The ruling classes use ideological control to maintain their dominance.
Marx believed in the necessity of revolution to establish a communist society with equality and freedom.
feminism: A social theory and political movement that aims to understand and address gender inequalities.
Patriarchy refers to a society where women are systematically disadvantaged.
Gender scripts are learned patterns of behavior associated with different genders.
Liberal, Marxist, and radical feminism emphasizes different aspects of gender equality.
A social theory and political movement that aims to understand and address gender inequalities.
Patriarchy refers to a society where women are systematically disadvantaged.
Gender scripts are learned patterns of behavior associated with different genders.
Liberal, Marxist, and radical feminism emphasizes different aspects of gender equality.
A sociological perspective that places less emphasis on social structures and instead focuses on how individuals perceive themselves and actively shape their identities through interactions with others. Prominent interactionist theorists include Ervin Goffman and Howard Becker.
This theory challenges the certainties of the modernist era emphasizes fluidity and unpredictability.
Postmodernists question science and social progress.
The service sector economy refers to a society where most people work in services rather than agriculture or manufacturing.
Consumer culture emphasizes consumption as a source of identity and status.
Social fragmentation refers to the splitting up of communities.
Hyperreality describes a society where people cannot distinguish between media representations of reality and actual reality.
GCE Sociology Revision (AQA)- Unit 1 Theories of the family (3)Haleema Begum
For AQA GCE Sociology Unit 1 Chapter 1 , Theories of the family Revision. Print out as a handout, it is a good way to revise. Application, Interpretation and Analysis tips are also included. All derived from the AS Sociology Revision Guide. Good luck!!!
University First Year level revision notes on Classical Sociological Theory. Contains notes on Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim among others. All notes come from university lecture notes and online research. Includes quotes from sociologists, a history of sociology, keywords and theories and ideas.
Role And Function (topic 3) by funtionlist and different sociologysimranjeetmahi500
what is the function of the family by different sociologists?
it is really good for axoevel sociology and helps to improve student ability to revise and learn.
Similar to SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource (20)
1. AS Families and Households: Marxism
KEY WORDS
Capitalism/ Conflict/ Patriarchy/ Proletariat/ Bourgeois/
Subordination/ Private Property/ Ideological State Apparatus
KEY NAMES
Friedrich Engels/ Karl Marx/ Louis Althusser
What is Marxism? A Conflict Perspective:
While functionalists see society as based on value consensus (agreement),
Marxist sociologists see capitalist society as based on an unequal conflict
between two social classes:
The ____________________who The ___________________whose
own the means of production labour the capitalists exploit for profit
Marxists see all society’s institutions, such as the education system, the media,
religion and the state, along with the family, as helping to maintain class
inequality and capitalism. Thus, for Marxists, the functions of the family are
performed purely for the benefit of the capitalist system. This view contrasts
sharply with the functionalist view that the family benefits both society as a
whole and all the individual members of the family.
Marxist Definition of the Family
KEY_TERM
Essentially, Marxists agree with the functionalists that the
dominant family form in modern capitalist societies is the
isolated, traditional nuclear family.
THE NUCLEAR FAMILY IS THE DOMINANT FAMILY
TYPE BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST EFFIECIENT WAY
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY BUT AS A…… Capitalist society - a
society in which making a
TOOL OF CAPITALISM profit and financial success
are the priorities.
2. Reading Task
Using the Napier Press textbook fill out the FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY
identified by Marxist Sociologists – remember to note and highlight the names
of theorists as you will need these for another task.
Inheritance of Property
Ideological Functions
A Unit of Consumption
Task: Applying what you know…….
For Marxists, the functions of the family are performed purely for the benefit
of the capitalist system. Below is a list of what is needed in workers and what
you want from them. Fill in the second column, showing how - according to
Marxism - the nuclear family structure can ensure these needs are met.
NEEDS OF CAPITALISM HOW THE FAMILY AS AN INSTITUTION CAN HELP
1. Fit, well fed workers, maintained physically, mentally
and emotionally
2. A constant supply of new young workers
3. New workers who are well socialised and disciplined
5. An outlet or ‘safety – valve’ for workers frustrations
6. Workers must have some authority outside work to
reduce their frustration at having none in work
7. Workers have to be motivated to earn
3. Marxist Theorists and Studies
Refer back to your earlier notes of ‘functions of the family’ to briefly
summarise the work of these two key Marxist theorists.
Engels (1884)
The Origin of the
Family, Private
Property and the
State
Zaretsky (1976)
Personal life and
capitalism:
Neo-Marxism
Louis Althusser:
Neo Marxists often move away from the traditional Marxist belief of capitalist
subordination and the repression of the working classes. Althusser believed that
‘state apparatuses’ were perpetuating capitalism.
Evaluation of the Marxist approach:
Criticisms of Marxism:
1) Marxists are criticised for ignoring the positive aspects of family life. The
view that the family creates an obedient workforce ripe for exploitation is too
DETERMINISTIC.
2) The Marxist view is also out of date, failing to consider the diversity of
family life today. Also, parents seem to have lost their ability to control
children.
Marxist theories of the family are in stark contrast to the Functionalist
perspective. The main difference is Marxism’s emphasis on CONFLICT
compared to Functionalism’s belief in CONSENSUS.
Task – Statement Sort
Write out these statements under the appropriate headings with the title
‘Evaluation of Marxism’
Strengths Weaknesses
Approach toward the family rests on Ignores family diversity.Sees the nuclear Explores the role of ‘oppressive
assumptions about the nature of society family as being simply determined by ideologies’.
i.e. that it is based on conflict between the economy. It ignores how change
opposing groups. Could society be based may come about because of legal and Radical Feminists suggest that Marxists
on consensus? attitudinal changes. ignore the patriarchal nature of society
Offers explanation for the development Many do not experience that family as
of the family. oppressive. Offers critical approach
Too critical? Acknowledges the dark-side of the family Links the family to inequality in capitalist society
4. Task - Quick Check Questions:
1) What are the key differences between Marxist views of the family and
functionalist views?
2) What criticisms can be directed at both Marxists and Functionalists in
relation to the family?
3) To what extent can we use Marxism to explain the role of the family in
today’s society?
Task - Making use of this theory in an exam….
Complete the second half of this essay question using Marxism as a critique of
Functionalism
Essay: Assess the contribution of Functionalism to our
understanding of the Family. (24marks)
In order to provide a good answer to this type of exam question you must:
Outline the key aspects of the Functionalist Perspective mentioning all
relevant names and studies
Balance Functionalist views against those of Marxist sociologists, using
Marxism as a critique of a ‘consensus’ based society.(YOUR TASK)
Provide a balanced conclusion.
Extra Reading and Research: (Optional but advised!)
Haralambos: (In the library)
A variety of textbooks available in the classroom cupboard
Space for planning out your Marxist critique of functionalism