CSS Sociology Sociological Theory Syllabus

Sociological Theory syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Sociological Theory in CSS Sociology, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Structural Functionalism

   3 topics

   • Core Assumptions of Functionalism
   • Émile Durkheim
   • Talcott Parsons and Social Systems
2. 2

   Conflict Theory

   2 topics

   • Foundations of Conflict Theory
   • Karl Marx
3. 3

   Symbolic Interactionism

   2 topics

   • Principles of Symbolic Interactionism
   • Self, Symbols and Meaning
4. 4

   Classical and Foundational Theorists

   4 topics

   • Ibn-i-Khaldun
   • Auguste Comte and Positivism
   • Herbert Spencer and Social Evolution
   • Max Weber

Sociological Theory flashcards for CSS Sociology

21 of 51 cards from the Sociological Theory deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What are the four core assumptions of structural functionalism?

   (1) Society is a system of interconnected parts; (2) each part performs a function that contributes to stability; (3) society tends toward equilibrium and order; (4) shared values/consensus hold the system together.

2. In functionalism, what is the difference between manifest and latent functions (Robert Merton)?

   Manifest functions are the intended, recognized consequences of a social pattern; latent functions are the unintended, unrecognized consequences.

3. What did Merton mean by a 'dysfunction'?

   A consequence of a social element that disrupts the stability or reduces the adaptation of the social system.

4. Why is functionalism often described using an 'organic analogy'?

   It compares society to a living organism in which each institution (part) functions like an organ, working interdependently to maintain the survival and health of the whole.

5. Who is regarded as the founder of academic/scientific sociology and a key figure in functionalism?

   Émile Durkheim.

6. Define Durkheim's concept of 'social facts.'

   Ways of acting, thinking and feeling that are external to the individual, general throughout society, and exercise a coercive constraint over individuals; they are the proper subject matter of sociology.

7. What is the difference between mechanical and organic solidarity (Durkheim)?

   Mechanical solidarity is found in simple, traditional societies, based on likeness and shared collective conscience; organic solidarity is found in complex, modern societies, based on the division of labour and interdependence.

8. Define Durkheim's concept of 'anomie.'

   A state of normlessness or breakdown of social regulation, especially during rapid social change, when norms become unclear and fail to govern behaviour.

9. In which 1897 study did Durkheim apply sociological method to demonstrate that even a personal act has social causes?

   Suicide (Le Suicide), where he linked suicide rates to levels of social integration and regulation.

10. Name Durkheim's four types of suicide.

    Egoistic (low integration), altruistic (excessive integration), anomic (low regulation), and fatalistic (excessive regulation).

11. According to Durkheim, what social function does religion perform?

    It reinforces collective conscience and social solidarity by uniting members into a single moral community through shared sacred beliefs and rituals (the sacred vs. profane distinction).

12. What is the 'collective conscience' according to Durkheim?

    The totality of beliefs and sentiments common to the average members of a society, forming a determinate system with its own life.

13. Which sociologist developed structural functionalism into a grand theory of social systems in the 20th century?

    Talcott Parsons.

14. What does Parsons' AGIL scheme stand for?

    Adaptation, Goal attainment, Integration, and Latency (pattern maintenance) — the four functional prerequisites every social system must meet to survive.

15. In Parsons' AGIL, which societal subsystem corresponds to each function?

    Adaptation = economy; Goal attainment = political system; Integration = legal/community institutions; Latency = family/education/cultural institutions.

16. What does Parsons mean by 'functional prerequisites' (functional imperatives)?

    The basic needs or problems that any social system must solve in order to survive and maintain itself, captured by the AGIL scheme.

17. What is the 'sick role' concept associated with Parsons?

    Illness is a form of socially sanctioned deviance; the sick person is exempted from normal roles and not blamed, but is obligated to want to get well and to seek competent help.

18. In Parsons' theory of action, what are the 'pattern variables'?

    Pairs of choices actors face, e.g., affectivity vs. affective neutrality, universalism vs. particularism, ascription vs. achievement, specificity vs. diffuseness, self-orientation vs. collectivity-orientation.

19. What are the core assumptions/foundations of conflict theory?

    Society is characterized by inequality and competition over scarce resources; social order is maintained by power and coercion rather than consensus; conflict drives social change.

20. How does conflict theory differ from functionalism in explaining social order?

    Functionalism sees order arising from value consensus and shared norms; conflict theory sees order as imposed by dominant groups through power and coercion to protect their interests.

21. Who is the principal founding figure of conflict theory in sociology?

    Karl Marx.

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