PG15-18 Social Control, Conformity, and Resistance in Sociology

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between functionalist theory and interactionist view?

Functionalist theory emphasizes structural determinism, while interactionist view focuses on individual agency.

How do structuralist theories, according to the text, view the role of social forces in shaping behavior?

As powerful forces that reach beyond individual consciousness and control.

Which sociological perspective argues that societies are organized at the level of families, governments, and economies?

Functionalist theory

What distinguishes the interactionist view from structuralist perspectives?

The emphasis on individual agency and shaping the social world. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes how structural forces are viewed according to the text?

They have a major influence on behavior beyond individual control. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes structuralist theories from interactionist views regarding social action?

Structuralist theories argue that social action is shaped by deep societal forces, while interactionist views focus on individual consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the relationship between the economic base and the political and ideological superstructure in capitalist society?

The economic base determines the nature of the political and ideological superstructure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key area of conflict in capitalist society according to the passage?

The workplace Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say about the ownership of the 'means of economic production' in capitalist society?

They are owned by a small bourgeois class. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what does the majority of people in capitalist society own?

Little or nothing except their ability to work Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say the ruling class uses to influence how others see the world?

Ownership and control of institutions like the media Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say the education system does in addition to teaching knowledge and skills?

It teaches the values of competition, individualism, and respect for authority. Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say is an effective form of control in capitalist society?

Socialisation that convinces people the interests of the ruling class are their own Signup and view all the answers

How does the class system in capitalist society differ from the caste system in India according to the passage?

The class system is more open and allows for social mobility, while the caste system is more rigid. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Karl Marx's role according to the passage?

Marx was a philosopher and economist who developed the theory of historical materialism. Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage say is the key mechanism by which the ruling class maintains order and stability in capitalist society?

The internalization of capitalist values and ideology through socialization. Signup and view all the answers

According to the structuralist perspective, which of the following is the main force shaping modern industrial societies?

The capitalist relations of production Signup and view all the answers

How does the functionalist perspective view the structure of society?

As a set of institutional arrangements for smooth functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best represents the structuralist view of individual freedom?

Individuals have limited freedom due to the influence of social structures Signup and view all the answers

What should be the main focus of sociological study from a structuralist perspective?

The effects of the structure of society on social life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a structural explanation for social phenomena, according to the text?

Poverty as the cause of an increase in crime rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the idea of a 'role' in the context of social structures?

The set of expected behaviors associated with a social position Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the different parts of a society, from a functionalist perspective?

They work in harmony and are interdependent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four 'functional sub-systems' identified by Parsons, according to the text?

Social Signup and view all the answers

What creates the connections between the various parts of the social system?

Institutional purposes and needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best represents the consensus structuralist approach, according to the text?

Society is organized in a way that promotes harmony and stability Signup and view all the answers

What did Parsons identify as the functional prerequisites that individuals need to fit into society?

Cooperative groups Signup and view all the answers

According to Parsons, how do social institutions encourage individuals to achieve their goals in education?

By fostering a sense of belonging Signup and view all the answers

Which problem of existence does 'goal maintenance' in education institutions address according to Parsons?

Integration Signup and view all the answers

In the context of maintaining social order, what is the purpose of rules in institutions like schools?

Encourage desirable behavior and punish rule-breaking Signup and view all the answers

How do societies ensure broad predictability in behavior according to the text?

By socializing members into a shared value system Signup and view all the answers

Which approach focuses on how society divides into powerful and powerless groups for control?

Conflict structuralism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Marxism in understanding social relationships?

Work and economic organization Signup and view all the answers

'Base and superstructure' concept in Marxism refers to the relationship between which types of institutions?

Economic, political, and ideological Signup and view all the answers

'Relations of production' in Marxists terms mainly involve which of the following?

Owner, manager, wage laborer Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for social order and control according to Marxists?

The economic base Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalism and Conflict Structuralism

Functionalism is a consensus structuralist approach that explains how order and stability are created and maintained in society.
Talcott Parsons explains how individuals fit into the overall structure of society based on functional prerequisites, which are necessary for society to function properly.
Institutions, such as families, schools, and workplaces, develop ways to ensure that individuals conform to the needs of both the institution and society as a whole.
Parsons identifies four problems of institutional existence:
- Goal maintenance: institutions provide people with goals to achieve.
- Adaptation: institutions provide a cooperative environment for people to work together.
- Integration: institutions motivate people to achieve goals and create a sense of belonging.
- Latency: institutions manage conflicts and create rules to maintain social order.

Conflict Structuralism

Conflict structuralism shows how societal institutions work to divide society, benefiting powerful groups at the expense of less powerful groups.
Marxism is a leading conflict structuralist approach that sees conflict in economic terms between different social classes.
Marxism explains how the capitalist system creates conflict between the bourgeoisie (ruling class) and the proletariat (working class).
The economic base (relations of production) is the foundation of society, and the political and ideological superstructure rests on it.
The ruling class uses repressive state apparatuses (RSAs) and ideological state apparatuses (ISAs) to maintain power and control.

Social control is maintained through institutions, such as the education system, media, and religion, which teach values that support the current system.
Socialization is an effective form of control, convincing people that the interests of the ruling class are really the interests of everyone.
People are fixed into capitalist society by the need to earn a living and by ideological control that presents society as impossible to change.

Structuralism vs. Interactionism

Structuralism focuses on the institutional or system level, arguing that society shapes individual behavior and thought processes.
Interactionism focuses on the microsociological, arguing that individuals shape the social world.
Structuralism presents society as a powerful force that controls and shapes individual behavior, while interactionism presents human lives as not decided by social forces.

Key Sociologist: Karl Marx

Karl Marx was a philosopher, economist, historian, political theorist, and activist who developed the concept of conflict structuralism.
Marx argued that the capitalist relations of production are the main structural force in modern industrial societies.

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