Introduction to Sociology

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infoWhy this? Sociology provides a framework for questioning taken-for-granted assumptions about society and explaining relationships between social institutions, inequalities, and behaviour. Comparing functionalist, Marxist, and feminist perspectives introduces competing explanations of social order and power, helping us construct arguments and evaluate them against evidence.

scheduleWhy now? As the opening unit, this establishes the terminology and theoretical foundations needed throughout the course. These shared concepts enable us to move from everyday interpretations of society towards sociological analysis, beginning with families and households.

Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social behaviour.
Sociologists use different theoretical perspectives to explain how society works.
The main sociological theories are Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism.
Functionalists view society as being based on shared values and social consensus.
Functionalists see social institutions as contributing to the maintenance of social order.
Marxists view society as being based on class inequality and conflict.
Marxists argue that capitalism benefits the ruling class (bourgeoisie) at the expense of the working class (proletariat).
Marxists see education, the media and religion as helping to maintain ruling-class power.
Feminists view society as patriarchal, with men holding more power than women.
Feminists focus on gender inequality and the oppression of women.
Different feminist perspectives include Liberal, Radical and Marxist Feminism.
Functionalism is generally considered a consensus theory.
Marxism and Feminism are generally considered conflict theories.
Sociological theories offer different explanations for the same social issues.
Sociologists evaluate theories by considering their strengths, limitations and supporting evidence.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

Outline the key assumptions of Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism.
Apply sociological theories to examples of social issues, behaviours and institutions.
Analyse how different sociological perspectives explain the same aspect of society in different ways.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism using evidence and examples.

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