Topic Two (1.2): Structural Perspectives

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This topic introduces structural perspectives. These include some of the most famous ideas in Sociology, including Marxism and feminism. Structural theories are based on the idea that our behaviour, actions and life chances are shaped by social forces that are often outside our control. As such, the studies tend to be focussed on society in general, rather than looking at the role of individuals. This involves examining social institutions, such as the economy, government, religion, family and education to see how they influence our thoughts and opportunities.

These theories tend to split into two groups: consensus theories, such as functionalism, are based on the belief that all society works together to benefit everyone; whilst conflict theories, such as Marxism and feminism, are based on the belief that society revolves around unequal access to power and that one group exploits and dominates another.

Read & Make Notes Icon.png Read and Make Notes

Read pages 7 to 14 in the textbook and carefully make notes on the topic.

Skills Icon.png Tasks

  • Watch the following videos on the key structural theories:

WATCH – An Introduction to the Ideas of Functionalism (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – An Introduction to the Ideas of Marxism (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – An Introduction to the Ideas of Max Weber (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – An Introduction to the Ideas of Feminism (YouTube) Links to an external site.

  • Based on these and your textbook, create a mind map covering the key points from each theory.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.