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Having studied the major sociological perspectives individually, it is essential to compare and contrast them systematically. The AQA A-Level Sociology specification requires you to understand the differences between consensus, conflict, and social action approaches to sociology, and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each in relation to specific topics. This lesson provides a comprehensive framework for making these comparisons.
Key Definition: Sociological perspectives can be broadly classified into three types: consensus theories (functionalism) emphasise social order and shared values; conflict theories (Marxism, feminism) emphasise inequality and power struggles; and social action theories (symbolic interactionism) emphasise the meanings individuals give to their actions.
Consensus theories (primarily functionalism) start from the assumption that social order is the normal, desirable state of society and that this order is maintained through shared norms and values (value consensus). The key question for consensus theorists is: How does society hold together?
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