Societal Systems: A Comparison of Communism, Feudalism, Capitalism, and Socialism

What is the limitation of the two-class system in understanding British society?

It is over-simplistic, and there are 7 different classes within British society.

What is the primary focus of Marx's system?

Economics

What is Weber's criticism of Marxism?

It completely ignores the role of ideas in social change.

What is the biggest criticism of Marxism?

The revolution that Marx said would lead to a communist society has yet to occur. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Marx predict that the revolution would occur, and where did it actually occur?

Marx predicted it would occur in the most advanced capitalist societies, but it actually occurred in backward countries like Russia and Cuba. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the impact of Keynesian Economics on the economy?

It has led to more government oversight of businesses and the development of welfare states. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Repressive State Apparatus according to Structural Neo-Marxism?

Armies of Men, including the Police, Criminal Justice System, and military. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the impact of social institutions on the bourgeoisie?

Some institutions, such as the media, have become autonomous and critical of the elite. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three levels of Structural Determinism in Neo-Marxism?

Economic, Political, and Ideological Signup and view all the answers

How does the ruling class maintain dominance through coercion?

The use of the army, police, and other government agencies to force other classes to accept ruling class ideology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'consent' in maintaining ruling class dominance?

Using ideas and values to persuade the other classes that ruling class ideology is legitimate. Signup and view all the answers

Why is ruling class hegemony never complete?

The ruling class is a minority and must create a power bloc with other groups, and the working class has a dual consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining feature of a classless society in communism?

The absence of classes and collective ownership of the means of production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'organic intellectuals' in creating a counter-hegemony?

Class-conscious workers who organize themselves into a revolutionary political party to help create a counter-hegemony. Signup and view all the answers

How do the proletariat benefit from their labor in a capitalist society?

They only receive the cost of subsistence, not the value of the goods they produce. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the political level in Structural Determinism?

All forms of organization, including the RSA's, which coerce workers into a false class consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of hegemony in Gramsci's Neo-Marxism?

The dominance of the ruling class ideology and its acceptance by the rest of society. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ideological level in Structural Determinism?

The ways people see themselves and the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of Neo-Marxism, according to critics?

Under-emphasizing the role of coercive political and economic forces in holding back the formation of a counter-hegemonic bloc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism of Marxism by Weber?

That it oversimplifies the causes of inequality, focusing solely on class divisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between socialism and communism?

In socialism, the means of production are owned by the government, while in communism, there is no government or state. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of alienation in Marxist theory?

The separation of workers from the products they create and the control of their labor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism of Marxism by feminists?

That it prioritizes class inequality over gender inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the working class's acceptance of the ruling class ideology in Gramsci's Neo-Marxism?

Voluntarism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key idea behind the Organic Analogy in sociology?

The key idea is that society is similar to the human body, with institutions working together to maintain social cohesion and social order. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conflict described in the Structural Conflict Approach?

The main conflict is between the classes, specifically the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the set of approaches that see society as a conflict between men and women?

The focus is on ways that women are oppressed/disadvantaged by various social institutions and the means by which equality can be achieved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the Micro Approach in sociology?

The main idea is that the individual influences their society through their interactions with others and social institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the 'father of modern sociology'?

Auguste Comte is considered the 'father of modern sociology'. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of the Broad Approach in sociology?

The main feature is that it sees society in a more diverse and less structured way, with individuals having more choice and shaping their reality and culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of social institutions in the Functionalism approach?

Social institutions work together to maintain social cohesion and social order. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Interactionism approach in sociology?

The focus is on how individuals interact with each other and with social institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Integration specialist institutions in society?

To reduce conflict in society Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Tension Management in society?

To provide opportunities to release tension in a safe way Signup and view all the answers

Who is the key thinker who criticized Parsons' assumptions in Functionalism?

Robert K. Merton Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism of Functionalism that suggests not all social institutions are indispensable?

Indispensability Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the intended function of a social institution?

Manifest Function Signup and view all the answers

What is the unintended function of a social institution?

Latent Function Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism of Functionalism that suggests social institutions are not tightly linked?

Functional Unity Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism of Functionalism that suggests not all institutions perform a positive function for society?

Universal Functionalism Signup and view all the answers

What is the example of a social institution that can be dysfunctional for its members?

Domestic abuse in the family Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of education in promoting social harmony, according to Integration specialist institutions?

Creating a sense of belonging Signup and view all the answers