Sociological Theories Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does functionalist theory primarily attribute to males in society?

Providing emotional support

Instrumental roles (correct)

Expressive roles

Managing family relationships

Which of the following is considered an expressive role in functionalist theory?

Disciplining children

Providing financial stability

Maintaining social harmony (correct)

Ensuring educational success

How has the gender-based mentality impacted societal roles according to sociologists?

It has unified family and work obligations.

It has solely empowered women in the workplace.

It has created inequalities in familial roles. (correct)

It has eliminated traditional gender roles.

What is a central focus of symbolic interactionism?

How individuals interact through symbols Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the meanings attached to symbols in society according to symbolic interactionism?

They are socially created and fluid. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements reflects a common expectation of gender roles in Filipino culture?

Women should be skilled in household chores. Signup and view all the answers

How did the meaning of the word 'GAY' evolve over time?

It transitioned from a negative connotation to a neutral one. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of identity formation is highlighted by symbolic interactionism?

Identity is influenced by immediate social groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for social order according to conflict theory?

Domination and power Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theorists is associated with conflict theory?

Max Weber Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of feminist theory?

Understanding gender inequality Signup and view all the answers

What does black feminism emphasize?

The conditions of Black women in a patriarchal society Signup and view all the answers

Which idea is part of basic feminist principles?

Eliminating gender stratification Signup and view all the answers

What does ecofeminism argue about the oppression of women and the environment?

Both women and the environment are oppressed by cultural practices Signup and view all the answers

Cultural feminism argues that women possess what type of innate essence?

A unique perspective that should be valued Signup and view all the answers

How do proponents of feminist theory generally view gender roles?

As evolving and adaptable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of liberal feminism?

Achieving women's rights through legal and political reform Signup and view all the answers

Which type of feminism emphasizes the importance of race in gender oppression?

Multiracial feminism Signup and view all the answers

According to structural functionalism, gender inequality in the labor market is explained by:

The hierarchy established by wage earners Signup and view all the answers

What is a belief commonly held by radical feminists?

Society prioritizes male experiences and roles Signup and view all the answers

How do socialist and Marxist feminists view the achievement of gender equality?

By dismantling capitalist economic systems Signup and view all the answers

According to Freud's psychodynamic theory, which aspect of childhood is crucial for gender identity development?

Early experiences with parents or guardians Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the role of women in wage earning as noted by contemporary critical sociologists?

They will gain full power in family structures. Signup and view all the answers

In structural functionalism, what is described as necessary for society to function smoothly?

The knowledge of one's social position Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the Gender and Development (GAD) approach?

To redefine traditional role expectations and establish gender equality. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emerged as a precursor to the Gender and Development (GAD) approach?

Women in Development (WID) Theory Signup and view all the answers

How do queer theorists view sexuality in contrast to gender essentialism?

As a discursive social construction that is fluid and plural. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Women in Development (WID) theory emphasize?

Integrating women into the development agenda by breaking down customary expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is specifically foregrounded by queer theorists?

Those who do not conform to conventional categories of sexuality and gender. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Id?

Personal satisfaction and gratification Signup and view all the answers

During which psychosexual development stage does the Libido focus on the genitals?

Phallic Stage Signup and view all the answers

How did Alfred Adler view the sense of inferiority in a newborn?

As a natural part of personality development Signup and view all the answers

According to the Social Learning Theory, how do children recognize gender differences?

Via environmental interactions and consequences Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cognitive-Developmental Theory propose about intelligence?

It is shaped by environmental interactions over stages Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Evolutionary Theory regarding human behavior?

It attributes behavior to inherent genetic coding Signup and view all the answers

Which complex is associated with boys during the Phallic Stage?

Oedipus Complex Signup and view all the answers

What role does birth order play according to Adler?

It is a major factor influencing personality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalist Theory

Asserts that men fulfill instrumental roles in society while women fulfill expressive roles.
Men are expected to provide economic support and discipline.
Women are expected to manage relationships, nurture, and maintain emotional harmony.
These roles are seen as mutually beneficial and contribute to societal stability.

Symbolic Interactionalist Theory

Explains social behavior through the lens of individual interactions.
Focuses on how symbols and meanings shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
Argues that identities are shaped through interactions with social groups.
Meaning assigned to symbols can change over time, influenced by social context.

Conflict Theory

Views society as a struggle for limited resources, with power imbalances between groups.
Dominant groups maintain their power by suppressing less powerful groups.
Highlights the patriarchal nature of society, where men hold positions of power in politics, economics, and social structures.

Feminist Theory

Aims to understand and address gender inequality.
Focuses on gender politics, power, and relations, with a focus on women's rights and interests.
Advocates for equality between men and women, expanding human choice, eliminating gender stratification, and ending sexual violence.
Includes various branches like:
- Black Feminism: Focuses on the experiences of Black women facing oppression based on both race and gender.
- Cultural Feminism: Believes in the inherent differences between men and women, advocating for a greater understanding of women's perspectives.
- Ecofeminism: Connects the oppression of women and the environment, advocating for a connection between respecting the planet and achieving gender equality.
- Liberal Feminism: Seeks to achieve gender equality through legal and political reforms.
- Marxist Feminism: Focuses on the role of capitalism in exploiting women's labor and hindering gender equality.
- Multiracial Feminism: Examines how race intertwines with gender and impacts oppression experienced by women of color.
- Radical Feminism: Advocates for a complete societal overhaul to achieve true gender equality, believing current structures are inherently biased towards men.

Structural Functionalism

Explains societal functions by emphasizing relationships between social institutions.
Society seeks a state of balance or equilibrium.
Gender inequality is understood in the context of labor divisions and power hierarchies.
Women's role as subordinates in the workplace is seen as contributing to societal order.

Psychodynamic Theory

Focuses on the early relationship between a child and their parents, or caregivers, in shaping gender identity.
Freud's theory suggests the Id, the pleasure-seeking part of the personality, plays a role in gender development.
Freud's theory includes the Phallic Stage, where the child's libido is focused on their genitals, leading to the Oedipus Complex for boys and the Elektra Complex for girls.
Alfred Adler emphasizes the sense of inferiority in all individuals, leading to a drive to strive for superiority.
Adler also considers birth order as a significant factor in personality development.

Emphasizes the role of environment and learning in shaping gender identity.
Focuses on modeling (observing others) and reinforcement (rewards and punishments) as key factors in gender-related behavior.

Cognitive-Developmental Theory

Explains intelligence as a product of transformations and interactions with the environment throughout life.
Children develop a mental model of the world that evolves with age.
Gender constancy, stability, and consistency are achieved when a child reaches a certain level of cognitive maturity.

Evolutionary Theory

Suggests that certain human behaviors are genetically determined and are part of our natural adaptation to environmental challenges.
Argues that gender roles are a result of adaptive behaviors developed over time.

Women in Development (WID) Theory

Focuses on eliminating disadvantages faced by women in society through change in expectations.
Integrates women into broader development agendas.

Gender and Development (GAD) Theory:

Focuses on socially constructed differences between men and women.
Aims to redefine traditional gender roles and promote gender equality.

Queer Theory

Deconstructs sexuality and gender, challenging fixed and essentialist categories.
Views sexuality as a fluid and socially constructed concept.
Focuses on the experiences of individuals who do not conform to conventional gender and sexual norms.

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Description

This quiz covers key sociological theories including Functionalist, Symbolic Interactionalist, and Conflict Theory. Explore how these frameworks explain gender roles, social behavior, and power dynamics in society. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts in sociology.