Summary: (3.1): The Role Of Structure And Agency In Shaping The Relationship Between The...

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• 1 (3.1): The Role of Structure and Agency in Shaping the Relationship Between the Individual and Society

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• What is consensus theory and how does it view society?

  Consensus theory is a type of structuralist approach which sees society as characterized by agreement and order. An example of this is functionalism. It emphasizes the harmonious aspects of society and the way in which social order is maintained through shared norms and values.

• What are the two broad types of structuralist theories according to Julian Salisbury (2018)?

  Julian Salisbury (2018) identifies two broad types of structuralist theories:
  

  • Consensus theories: These suggest societies and social structures are organized around shared agreement or consensus.
  • Conflict theories: These, like Marxism and feminism, view societies as characterized by difference and inequality, underpinned by potential conflict.

• How do conflict theories perceive societies?

  Conflict theories, such as Marxism and feminism, see societies as characterized by conflict between social classes or between men and women. These theories focus on the struggles and power dynamics that exist within societies, highlighting inequality and social change.

• What do structuralist theories suggest about the role of structure in society?

  Structuralist theories, including functionalism, Marxism, and feminism, suggest that the social structure of society mainly determines or shapes the behavior of individuals. They argue that people are not the pawns of structural forces over which they can exercise little control. Social action theories stress the active role of individuals and social groups.

• How does Salisbury (2018) describe social action theory?

  Salisbury (2018) describes social action theory as focusing on individuals rather than societies. It is a 'bottom-up' theory, seeing individuals as more important than societal systems. It emphasizes the role of free will and individual choice, viewing society as a product of people's interactions and personal identity, culture, and wider society.

• Describe the humanist approach in social theory.

  The humanist approach is a micro or 'bottom-up' approach interested in how social reality is 'interpreted' by individuals during their everyday interaction with others. It focuses on individual perspectives and the subjective meanings people attach to their experiences.

• How do structuralist theories view the influence of society and social forces?

  Structuralist theories claim that society and the social forces that radiate from its social structure determine the behavior of individuals. This approach is 'macro' because it focuses on large-scale processes like economic forces and the influence of social institutions. It is a 'top-down' theory that sees society shaping individual behavior.

• What is the main argument of social action approaches regarding the concept of society?

  Social action approaches argue that societies are not rigid and unchangeable. They suggest that "social constructs" can change over time. For example, many societies have changed their internal structures as values, norms, and social meanings regarding the rights and roles of women have shifted.

• What is voluntarism in the context of social action theories?

  Voluntarism is the idea that human action is voluntary rather than imposed externally by social forces beyond the individual's control. Voluntarists, as represented by social action theories, believe social behavior results from people having free will and the ability to choose how to act.

• What is the focus of Unit 2.2.1 in the context of social control and conformity?

  Unit 2.2.1 focuses on the role of structure and agency in shaping the relationship between the individual and society. It outlines sociological theories that explain how identity, socialisation, and culture are structured. Structuralist theories emphasize the influence of social forces, while social action theories highlight individual agency.