Sociology: Functionalist Theory Overview

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Questions and Answers

What role is typically attributed to males in functionalist theory?

Emotional support role

Instrumental role (correct)

Expressive role

Nurturing role

In the context of family roles, what is the primary function attributed to females?

Support for emotional well-being (correct)

Decision maker

Economic provider

Disciplinarian

What critical perspective does structural functionalism highlight regarding gender roles?

Dominance of one gender over the other

Interdependency of gender roles within society (correct)

Fluidity of gender identity

Equality in the workforce

What societal effect does the gender-based mentality have, according to sociologists?

Encouragement to choose between family and work Signup and view all the answers

How does contemporary critical sociology view women's role in the family when they become wage earners?

They gain power and may foster democratic arrangements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of symbolic interactionalism in understanding gender roles?

The influence of human interaction and symbols Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best represents common Filipino expectations regarding gender roles?

Men should provide for their families economically. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of women being subordinate to men, according to structural functionalism?

Smooth operation of societal functions and roles Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does ecofeminism primarily argue is linked to the oppression of women?

Patriarchal domination Signup and view all the answers

Which feminist perspective emphasizes legal and political reforms within existing social structures?

Liberal feminism Signup and view all the answers

Multiracial feminism seeks to understand how which factor influences gender construction?

Racial identity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Marxist and socialist feminism?

Dismantling capitalist systems Signup and view all the answers

According to radical feminism, what needs to happen to achieve true gender equality?

A complete societal overhaul Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms describes the third stage of Sigmund Freud's psychosexual development?

Phallic Stage Signup and view all the answers

What complex is associated with young boys in Freud's theory?

Oedipus Complex Signup and view all the answers

What does Alfred Adler believe is a driving force in our personality?

Sense of inferiority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Black Feminism?

A philosophy that centers the oppression of Black women Signup and view all the answers

What does Conflict Theory emphasize as the basis for social order?

Dominance and power Signup and view all the answers

What is a key goal of Feminist Theory?

To eliminate gender stratification Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a tenet of Cultural Feminism?

Women's unique perspectives are valued attributes Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered a proponent of Conflict Theory?

Karl Marx Signup and view all the answers

What does Feminist Theory primarily focus on?

Understanding gender inequality and power dynamics Signup and view all the answers

How has the meaning of the word 'GAY' evolved over time?

From a negative connotation to a neutral or optimistic one Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals of feminist movements regarding sexual violence?

To end sexual violence and advocate for sexual freedom Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of the child’s environment and learning experiences in developing social behavior?

Social Learning Theory Signup and view all the answers

What does Cognitive-Developmental Theory propose about gender?

Intelligence leads to the construction of gender understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory advocates for the integration of women into broader development agendas?

Women in Development Theory Signup and view all the answers

What key concept is associated with Evolutionary Theory regarding gender roles?

Gender roles are adaptive traits coded by genes. Signup and view all the answers

In which theory is the concept of gender constancy particularly emphasized?

Cognitive-Developmental Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which theory's focus is primarily on socially constructed differences between genders?

Gender and Development Theory Signup and view all the answers

What does the Queer Theory aim to deconstruct?

Gender identity based on binary roles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes Social Learning Theory regarding children's understanding of gender?

Children learn gender behaviors through reinforcement of their actions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalist Theory

Men are assigned instrumental roles in society, such as providing economic support and discipline.
Women are assigned expressive roles, such as managing conflict, taking care of family, and contributing to feelings of social groups.
This theory suggests that these roles are beneficial for the society as a whole.
It highlights the belief that a father and a mother each have specific functions in the family.
Filipino expectations: Male individuals are expected to be providers for their families, while women are expected to be adept at household chores like cooking, cleaning, and caring for siblings, preparing them to take on similar roles upon marriage.
Sociologists emphasize this mentality creates inequality by forcing men and women to choose between family and work.

Structural Functionalism Theory

It explains how society functions by emphasizing the relationships between its social institutions, like government, school, religion, and family.
This theory aims to understand how society strives for balance and equilibrium.
Gender inequality in structural functionalism is evident in the labor and employment perspective.
Women's subordination to men contributes to smooth functioning of a society as everyone understands their place in the hierarchy.
Women becoming wage earners can create more democratic arrangements and more power in the family structure, although they may still carry a heavier domestic burden.

Symbolic Interactionalist Theory

It explains social behavior based on how people interact with each other.
It emphasizes the influence of interaction with others on human behavior.
The theory aims to understand human behavior by analyzing the role of symbols in interaction.
Individuals’ identities are shaped through immediate social groups and their interactions.
Meanings assigned to symbols are socially created, not natural, fluid, and constantly evolving.
Individuals act according to the current assigned meaning of symbols.
Example: The word "gay" once meant cheerful but later came to represent homosexual and experienced changing connotations throughout history.

Conflict Theory

This theory posits that individuals and groups within society engage in conflict over limited resources.
It suggests that social order is maintained through dominance and power, rather than consensus and conformity.
Those with wealth and power strive to maintain their status by suppressing the less fortunate.
Proponents include Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Ralph Dahrendorf.
The theory highlights the bias towards men in a patriarchal society as men are major players in politics, governance, and economic and social activities.

Feminist Theory

Aims to understand gender inequality and focuses on gender politics, power relations, and sexuality.
Promotes women's rights and interests and examines inequalities in gender-related issues.
Basic feminist ideas include working towards increased equality between men and women, expanding human choice by encouraging the development of individual interests and talents, eliminating gender stratification by opposing laws and cultural norms that limit opportunities for women, ending sexual violence, and promoting sexual freedom.

Lenses of Feminism

Black Feminism: focuses on the unique oppression faced by Black women in patriarchal, white-dominated, capitalist societies.
Cultural Feminism: emphasizes the inherent differences between men and women, advocating for the recognition of women's perspective as more valuable.
Ecofeminism: links the oppression of women and the environment, suggesting that patriarchal societies dominate both using similar methods.
Liberal Feminism (Mainstream Feminism): focuses on achieving women's rights and social justice through legal and political reform within existing societal structures.
Marxist and Socialist Feminism: believes achieving gender equality requires dismantling capitalist economic systems that exploit and undervalue women's labor.
Multiracial Feminism: raises awareness of how race influences gender constructions and oppression, offering feminist perspectives from marginalized groups like Asian, Latina, and Black women.
Radical Feminism: believes that society prioritizes men's experiences and that true equality requires a complete societal overhaul.

Psychodynamic Theory

Sigmund Freud emphasized the importance of early relationships with parents or caregivers for the development of gender identity.
Freud believed in the "Id", a pleasure-seeking part of personality that prioritizes immediate gratification.
Phallic Stage: occurs between ages three and six, during which the child's libido focuses on their genitals, with different development for boys and girls.
Oedipus Complex (Boys): involves a boy's attraction to his mother and rivalry with his father.
Elektra Complex (Girls): involves a girl's attraction to her father and rivalry with her mother.
Alfred Adler, argued that all individuals are born with a sense of inferiority, a driving force that motivates them to strive for superiority.
He believed that birth order plays a significant role in personality development.

Highlights the role of environment and learning experiences in shaping a child’s social behavior.
It emphasizes role modeling and reinforcement in the development of gender-related behaviors.
Children recognize differences between boys and girls based on their own experiences and the consequences of their actions.
Modeling or Observational Learning: individuals learn by observing others engaging in gender-typed behaviors and witnessing the responses they receive.

Cognitive-Developmental Theory

Intelligence develops through stages of transformation and interaction with the environment.
Children construct mental models of the world that evolve as they grow.
Gender Constancy: occurs when a child reaches a certain level of cognitive maturity, understanding that gender remains stable and consistent.

Evolutionary Theory

This theory proposes that some human behaviors are genetically coded, leading to natural adaptation.
Gender roles are seen as a result of our natural ability to adapt to various challenges.

Women in Development (WID) Theory

Aims to eliminate women's disadvantages in society by breaking down traditional expectations.
Integrates women into broader development agendas, setting the stage for later movements.

Gender and Development (GAD) Theory

Focuses on the socially constructed differences between men and women, emphasizing their impact on development.
Redefining traditional gender roles in an effort to achieve gender equality.
Key conventions include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform of 1995.

Queer Theory

Emerged in the 1990s, aiming to deconstruct sexuality and gender, challenging traditional assumptions and norms.
It arose from a movement away from essentialist definitions of gay identities, exploring alternative ways of understanding and challenging established categories.

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Description

Explore the functionalist theory in sociology, focusing on the distinct roles assigned to men and women in societal structures. This quiz examines how these roles contribute to social stability and highlights the implications of traditional gender expectations, particularly in a Filipino context. Understand the intersection of family functions and social institutions through this theoretical lens.