Sociological Theories
I will be discussing the following sociological theories which are Marxism, a macro sociological theory that looks at the exploitation of the wage labourers by the capitalists causing class conflict. Functionalism also a macro sociological theory sees society as working together as a whole. They use an organic analogy by comparing society to the human body, by looking at bodily organs in relation to how the work together as a whole. The emphasis is put on function, interdependence, consensus, social order and primary and secondary socialization. Feminists, who unlike the other sociological theories focus on women in society, believe that society is gender biased, male dominated and that there is a gender division. It should be noted that there are many branches of feminists such as, Marxist feminists who like Marxists believe that society is stratified. Radical feminists believe women are oppressed by social structures such as patriarchy and capitalism. And Liberal feminists believe that women's inequality issues are caused by faults in society and not by the social structures in place. While the other sociological theories are macro sociology, symbolic interactionism comes under micro socio
Living in a meritocratic society, individuals are lead to believe that progress and higher levels of achievement would increase your financial and social status. While this could be true for many, wealth in itself is a merit, which the working classes do not have. Children of both sexes experience childhood socialization; this takes place initially by primary caregivers. Boys are expected to participate in male dominated games, not show their emotions and be more independent. While girls are encouraged to show their emotions, and learn to be more feminine. The socialization process teaches both sexes what society sees as normal, thus both sexes adopt the roles that society has taught them. This creates gender division. The individuals in society are polarized by their gender where men hold positions of power and women are powerless and suffer inequality. The socialization processes that have taken place in society have left the individual (woman) unable to be valued with the same equality as men. Capitalism has further exaggerated the inequalities that women suffer, which results in low wage and lower positions within the male dominated workforce. Where men have effectively excluded women from obtaining equal status. Many women have accepted the monopoly men have over them in society, thus maintaining the status quo. Individuals are affected by society as their behaviour is governed by the social systems in place, such as being sanctioned for deviating from the social values that are set in place for society. This leaves the individual with very little say and control over how they govern their own lives, effectively making society more important than the individual. Marxist feminists believe that women are exploited by capitalism and are forced into low paid work, and unpaid do
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1218
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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