Alevels Sociology - 3511 Words

CHAPTER 1: 1. ‘Social order may be the product of consensus or coercion, depending on which sociological perspective is adopted.’ Explain and discuss. Ans: Social order is the product of consensus in terms of functionalism Social order is the product of coercion in terms of conflict theory in reality; society may be a combination of both - that is there is human free will which is also limited by social structure example institutions, laws Functionalist Theory and consensus: The functionalist school is linked with sociologists such as Talcott Parsons, Kingsley Davis, Wilbert Moore, and Emile Durkheim (see Farley, 2000:72). 1. Durkheim: Durkheim s (1964) early paradigm of social stratification, which likened society to an†¦show more content†¦3. Consensus is Artificial When a consensus appears in a society, it is usually artificial and is unlikely to persist over the long run. A Functionalist might argue that consensus is necessary and is, therefore, automatically something desired by all concerned. The conflict theorist contends that a consensus in a society is either based on coercion and/or repression by the dominant group. 4. Conflict in Society is Desirable Conflict is desirable because it makes possible social change which may lead to more equitable distribution of wealth and power (Farley, 2000:74). 5. Ideology A central assumption of Marxist theory is that the distribution of wealth by and large determines other aspects of society, such as the political system and the characteristics of culture. This includes the norms, values, and beliefs of the culture. The norms, values, and beliefs of the culture are such that they legitimize the control of wealth. Everyone, the rich and poor alike, accept the cultural beliefs as just and correct. Another term for these beliefs is IDEOLOGY. a. False Consciousness A consensus can also be achieved when a minority group accepts an ideology that is not in its self interest. This is false consciousness. It can occur because the dominant group exerts disproportionate control over the sources of influence and public opinion. It mightShow MoreRelatedChanges from the 1960s1143 Words   |  5 PagesP, Yeo A, sociology in focus, causeway press limited, Lancashire, 2006. 2 . S-cool, http://www.s-cool.co.uk/alevel/sociology.html, 2009, November 7 3 . Woodlands Junior School, Mandy Barrow, http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/war/1960s.html -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. S-cool, Peter Willmott, htt://s-cool.co.uk/alevel/sociology/ history/contemporary-kinship-arrangements.html [ 2 ]. S-cool, Peter Laslette, htt://s-cool.co.uk/alevel/sociology/history/thefamily