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Structural Perspectives

Q: What are some key concepts related to gender inequality and feminism?

Gender Inequality : Refers to power imbalances, wealth disparities, and unequal status between genders. Patriarchy : System where men dominate societal structures. Feminism : Structural theory criticizing societal norms shaped by patriarchy. Black Lives Matter : Movement against systemic racism and violence.

Q: What is the impact of intersectionality on women's experiences according to Crenshaw and others?

Intersectionality considers multiple factors (e.g., race, gender). Women face diverse challenges based on intersecting identities. Multilayered experience affects oppression and identity. Examples : Black single mothers in precarious jobs.

Q: What does Mohanty argue about the importance of culture in addressing gender expectations?

Mohanty claims understanding culture is vital for addressing gender expectations . Western feminists lack knowledge about non-western cultures. Better understanding can improve approaches to issues like immigration.

Q: How do structural influences affect women's experiences in society?

Patriarchy affects women's identity and experience. Structural influences like culture, religion, and society impact opportunities. Examples: Limited roles and choices for women compared to men.

Q: What is the role of feminism according to the notes?

Feminism : Structural theory. Critiques how patriarchy shapes societal roles. Argues for equality in social structures. Focuses on changing perceptions of gender roles.

Q: What are the key terms discussed in Module 1 of the sociology notes on structural perspectives?

Status : Prestige linked to social roles. Authority : Power to enforce orders. Charismatic personality : Influence based on charm. Capitalism : System where inequality is maintained.

49 important questions on Structural Perspectives

How do intersectional feminists view the experience of patriarchy?

Intersectional feminists emphasize that the experience of patriarchy varies.
It intersects with race, sexual orientation, and societal background.
White women's experiences differ from Black, Asian, and non-Western women.
Heterosexual women face different challenges compared to lesbian or transgender women.

What are some key concepts related to gender inequality and feminism?

Gender Inequality: Refers to power imbalances, wealth disparities, and unequal status between genders.
Patriarchy: System where men dominate societal structures.
Feminism: Structural theory criticizing societal norms shaped by patriarchy.
Black Lives Matter: Movement against systemic racism and violence.

What is the impact of intersectionality on women's experiences according to Crenshaw and others?

Intersectionality considers multiple factors (e.g., race, gender).
Women face diverse challenges based on intersecting identities.
Multilayered experience affects oppression and identity.
Examples: Black single mothers in precarious jobs.

What does Mohanty argue about the importance of culture in addressing gender expectations?

Mohanty claims understanding culture is vital for addressing gender expectations.
Western feminists lack knowledge about non-western cultures.
Better understanding can improve approaches to issues like immigration.

How do structural influences affect women's experiences in society?

Patriarchy affects women's identity and experience.
Structural influences like culture, religion, and society impact opportunities.
Examples: Limited roles and choices for women compared to men.

What is the role of feminism according to the notes?

Feminism:
- Structural theory.
- Critiques how patriarchy shapes societal roles.
- Argues for equality in social structures.
- Focuses on changing perceptions of gender roles.

What is the feminist theory of society, culture, and identity?

Feminism challenges structural gender inequality.
It critiques societal patriarchy.
Claims patriarchy is embedded in capitalism.
Social institutions maintain gender oppression.
Mainstream feminism includes liberal, radical, and socialist/Marxist branches.

How does intersectional theory relate to identity, according to Crenshaw?

Intersectional theory explores overlapping social identities.
Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw.
Addresses varying impacts of patriarchy.
Helps understand women's experiences of inequality.

What are the key terms discussed in Module 1 of the sociology notes on structural perspectives?

Status: Prestige linked to social roles.
Authority: Power to enforce orders.
Charismatic personality: Influence based on charm.
Capitalism: System where inequality is maintained.

What role does intersectional theory play in addressing women's experiences with patriarchy?

Recognizes partial or full opposition to patriarchy by women.
Highlights diverse degrees and forms of oppression.
Observes varying impacts across different contexts.

What is the main cause of social class inequalities according to Marx?

Surplus value is seen as the main cause.
Extracted by capitalists.
Leads to social class inequalities.
Social institutions support the capitalist class.
Legitimizes class ideology.

How does Weber relate inequality to capitalism and social groups?

Capitalism: Not the sole cause of inequality.
Exploitation and control exist worldwide.
Dominant social groups oppress others.
Weber’s view: Inequality persists beyond economic systems.

What are some key terms in sociology related to the laboring class?

Proletariat: Laboring class.
Social relations of production: Relationship between employers and workers.
Surplus value: Excess value produced by workers over their wages.
Exploitation: Work and value seizure by capitalists.

How do social institutions contribute to class ideology according to Marx?

Support the capitalist class.
Reproduce inequality.
Legitimize class ideology.
Address class relationships.
Relations form key parts of power structure.

According to Weber's analysis in the notes, what are additional sources of inequality besides economic factors?

Status differences: Beyond economic inequality.
Inequality from gender, power, authority.
Influences include tribalism, ethnicity, religion, nationalism.

What is Antonio Gramsci's criticism of Marxism?

Antonio Gramsci, a neo-Marxist, argued that superstructures, such as media, have power to influence society.
They can spread revolutionary ideas independently of the infrastructure.
His view emphasized media's role in mobilizing revolutionary action against capitalism.

What does false class consciousness entail?

False class consciousness: Unawareness of socio-economic positions.
Zombie: Workers with bourgeois ideology leading to lack of class awareness.
Impacts awareness of their true class origins and relations.

What was Weber's suggestion about inequalities in society?

Inequalities involve status and power.
Not just economic factors.
Social class shapes economic outcomes.
Status linked with lifestyle.
Power involves authority and influence.

What are the criticisms of Marxism related to individual behavior and people's identity?

Marxism criticized for viewing people as controlled by class positions.
Overlooks individuality and diverse responses.
Assumes uniform behavior based on social class.
Neglects personal agency and cultural influences.

What are some key terms related to structural perspectives in sociology?

Disagreement or clash of interests: Economic and political conflicts in society.
Bourgeoisie: The class owning means of production.
Means of production: Resources to manufacture products (e.g., capital, machinery).
Labour power: Workers' effort in production.

What is the role of bourgeois ideology in class relationships?

Bourgeois ideology: Ideas of the capitalist class.
Persuades members to accept social norms and legitimacy.
Hides the nature of exploitation and profit seizure by capitalists.

How did Weber differentiate between status and economic status?

Economic status relates to wealth.
Status involves recognition by society.
Does not solely depend on wealth.
Examples: professionals like judges and doctors.

What is the relationship between superstructure and base in Marxist theory?

Superstructure depends on and is shaped by the base.
Includes elements like religion, family, politics, mass media.
Base involves relations and means of production.
Base shapes the superstructure, superstructure maintains and legitimates the base.

How does Marxism view the ideological control within a capitalist society?

Marxism suggests ideological control presents people as cultural zombies.
Assumes false consciousness amongst the working class.
Ignores resistance within the working class.
Overlooks the influence of external political movements.

How does Marxism view structural social classes?

Marxism: Theory on structural social classes shaped by economy.
Influences or originates from the mode of production.
Conflict arises from exploiting surplus value of workers.

What is the role of ideology in the superstructure according to Marxist theory?

Ideology is promoted by the superstructure, influencing workers.
It suggests labor outcomes are due to individual shortcomings.
Causes workers to struggle to provide for families.
Reflects unjust exploitation of labor by the bourgeoisie.

What does Marxism potentially underestimate about individuals in capitalist societies?

Underestimates individual autonomy and diverse class consciousness.
Neglects various ways individuals interpret and resist structural constraints.
Ignores personal choice amidst social class pressures.

What is the role of the superstructure in a capitalist society according to Marx?

The superstructure maintains the status quo of capitalist society.
Ensures people accept their roles and aspire to improve within the system.
Creates an illusion of opportunity.
Education perpetuates class distinctions.
Misleads the working class.

How does Marxist theory view the relationship between the infrastructure and superstructure?

The relationship is key in Marxist theory.
Infrastructure (economic base) influences the superstructure (culture, ideology).
Exploitation is rooted in the infrastructure.
Conflict arises between employers and the employed.

What is the Marxist view on social structure according to the notes?

Structural explanation of societal systems
Systematic exploitation due to labor power
Socio-economic hierarchy
Class position and behavior impact
Resistance to economic pressures is limited

How does education contribute to the capitalist system's functioning?

Education spreads the dominant ideology.
Encourages beliefs and values supporting the capitalist system.
Contributes to social stratification.
Rewards students based on societal elite standards.
Often leads to unequal educational outcomes.

What is the concept of surplus value according to Marx?

Surplus value is the difference between the wealth produced and the wages paid.
It arises from the selling price exceeding ordinary wages.
Constitutes the main cause of class inequality and profit.

Describe the Marxist theory of superstructure and identity.

Stratified capitalist society concept
Superstructure supports exploitation
Ideologies by dominant class
Mass acceptance of ideologies as natural
Example: fixed social identity beliefs

What does Marx say about the consciousness of the working class?

The superstructure propagates false consciousness.
Working class maintains the status quo unknowingly.
False class consciousness is deliberately fostered.
This limits the working class's potential for societal change.

What did Karl Marx theorize about education and infrastructure in capitalist societies?

Education: Reinforces ruling standards and norms.
Infrastructure: Dominated by ruling capitalists.
Economic Role: Infrastructure serves capitalists' interests.
Key Relationship: Between ruling capitalists and proletariat.

How does the global distribution of wealth reflect capitalism?

Wealth is unevenly distributed, with the richest holding a large portion.
Report between 2007-2018 shows disparities.
Enables the wealthy elite's accumulation, while many struggle financially.

What is the function of structural theories in sociology?

Structural theories analyze society as a system of interconnected parts.
According to functionalism, social order is maintained through shared beliefs, values, and norms.
Institutions promote social integration and solidarity.

How do capitalists and the proletariat interact within the economic system, according to Marx?

Dominance: Ruling capitalists own production means.
Relationship: Capitalists and proletariat intertwined.
Labor: Essential ingredient for goods.
Power Dynamics: Capitalism depends on labor power supply.

What is the structural perspective on human behavior according to functionalists?

Functionalists argue human behavior is determined by societal structures.
Societies are characterized by order, stability, and a common value system.
Criticisms include neglecting change and overemphasizing conformity.

How does the conflict theory perceive capitalist societies?

Conflict theory views society as inherently unequal.
Wealthy groups control resources and power.
Economic structures result in conflict and inequality.
Capitalist societies prioritize profit over welfare.

What system analogy do functionalists use to describe society?

Functionalists compare society to the human body.
Social system is like the body's organs.
Institutions work collectively for social order.
Society's stability mirrors body’s health.

What is the functionalist approach to understanding the relationship between society and individuals?

Functionalism views society as a stable system.
Durkheim (1858–1917) emphasized society's structure over individuals.
Emphasizes stability through shared values and norms.
Society is like an organism where each part contributes.
Consensus and cooperation are key elements.

How does Durkheim view culture's role in social systems?

Culture integrates individuals into groups.
Acts like religion or shared customs create a common identity.
Cultural roles give people a sense of belonging.
Institutions help maintain societal cohesion.

What does the structural perspective include in sociological theories?

Encompasses Functionalist and Feminist theories.
Structural perspective focuses on large-scale societal structures.
Analyzes how societal components function together.

How did Durkheim describe modern industrial societies?

Modern industrial societies are orderly, not chaotic.
Order achieved through social consensus.
Predictable, regulated behavior patterns.
Society maintains itself despite individuals' birth and death.
Social order supported by shared cultural values.

What is a critique of functionalist views?

Criticized for viewing society as overly deterministic.
E.P. Thompson argues it portrays society as structured by singular factors.
It overlooks individual agency and diversity.

What are some versions of the interactionist perspective?

Symbolic Interactionism: Examines symbols and meanings in social interactions.
Labeling Theory: Focuses on how labels affect identity.
Dramaturgical Approach: Analyzes social interactions as theatrical performances.
Social Exchange Theory: Views relationships as cost-benefit analyses.

What role do shared values and beliefs play in functionalism?

Shared values and beliefs unite members of society.
They provide a framework for order and cooperation.
Essential for functioning of social and economic systems.
Underpin social institutions like family and religion.
Enable peaceful co-existence and stability.

What is emphasized in the postmodern theory regarding society?

Approach combines elements from both structural and interactionist perspectives.
Focuses on understanding society's complexity.
Highlights diversity in values and meanings.

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(1.2): Structural Perspectives

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