1. Unit 4: Theories (Modern Ones!)
Identify the Theoretical Perspective for each of the following
statements (it could be Marxism, Functionalism, Symbolic
Interactionism or Phenomenology)
1. One class owns the means of production, this enables them to exploit
the labour of others for their own benefit.
2. Social order is possible by integrating individuals into the social
system and the general values that it holds.
3. There are an infinite number of subjective meanings that actors may
give to their actions – they can be classified into four Ideal Types.
4. Social change is a gradual, evolutionary process. As a biological
organism, societies move from simple to complex structures.
5. Human behaviour is not shaped by fixed, pre-programmed instincts.
Instead we respond to the world by giving meaning to things that are
significant to us.
6. Typifications stabilise and clarify meanings by ensuring that we are all
agreeing on the meaning of things (or phenomena!).
7. These include the media, the education system, the family & other
institutions that ideologically manipulate the working class into
accepting Capitalism.
8. As social actors we may use language, tone of voice and props so
that we can “pass” for the kind of person we want our audience to
believe we are.