Download Sociological Perspectives.

Sociological Perspectives.
A theoretical
perspective is a method
of looking at/studying
the world. It is a type of
ideology.
Two main theoretical perspectives:
1.
2.
Structural
Cultural.
Structural:
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Tends to focus on the structures/systems of
society, such as the family, school, industry,
the legal system, the state.
The relationship between individuals/groups
and such structures.
The behaviour of individuals/groups resulting
from their relationship.
Cultural:
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Tends to focus on the norms, values, ideas and ways
of doing things in a particular society.
All the means of communication, art, material things
and objects that a society has in common.
The ways of life shared by a particular group (e.g.
working class culture, middle class culture).
The practices that produce meaning in a society
(signifying practices) e.g. leisure pursuits, clothes,
accent, the type of house you live in , what car you
drive etc. All of these are signifiers/mean something,
they send a message to others.
Two main branches of structural
perspective:
1.
2.
Consensus.
Conflict.
Consensus
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Tends to be a right wing view of the
relationships/behaviours of society.
Society is seen as a sort of balanced
functional moral machine.
From this perspective, society is an
integrated whole, composed of structures
which fit together in a comprehensible way
for the benefit of all.
This is a useful Comparison.
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The consensus model of society is similar to the
ideology of the ‘American Dream’.
In the American Dream the family is a nurturing,
stable unit for the socialisation of children.
School provides the education/skills required to
achieve the goals valued by that society.
The Legal system is blind and just.
The state is a mechanism which operates to further
the interests of citizens’.
Anomie
Anomie is a term often used by consensus sociologists to
describe the experience of a group/individual when they are
unable to fit into this social system.
 The experience of anomie can be the result of an inability to
achieve through orthodox means, the goals valued by society.
 Anomie can give rise to deviant behaviour, for example to
achieve the goals valued by society, individuals/groups may
resort to unorthodox, even illegal methods to achieve them.
Recommended reading: Robert K. Merton in Haralambos &
Holburn,p,323-325.
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STRAIN THEORY:
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Merton recognised that society was not; a well- oiled, fully
functional machine into which all individuals/groups slot neatly
or successfully into place.
Merton argues that the emphasis placed upon the cultural goals
of financial success and high status in American society exerts
pressure for deviance. A pressure which varies depending on
an individuals position in the class structure.
In simple terms, it is the values and goals of American society
which create deviance.
Those same values and goals are emphasised within the UK.
CONTROL THEORY:
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Control theories whilst still structural, are a little different from theories
which view the structure of society as a set of achievable goals.
Control theorists view the structure of society as a set of ‘external’ and
‘internal’ controls which operate to control deviant behaviour.
‘External controls’ include, the family, school, religion, employment and
the social bonds related to these organisations.
‘Internal controls’ include self-discipline and strong self-esteem.
Social Control theorists have a negative view of human nature. They
believe that individuals are selfish and prone to commit crime because
it’s exciting, fun and provides immediate gratification.
Recommended reading , Hirschi. T.
Conflict Theory.
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From a left perspective, society is structured on
conflict and competition.
Capitalist societies are based on an asymmetrical
power relationship.
In such societies, power is held by those who own
and control the means of production.
The state, the agencies of social control, the law and
definitions of deviance in general, reflect and serve
ruling-class interests.
Laws are not an expression of value consensus but
a reflection of ruling-class ideology.