Sociological Perspectives Mind Map

This comprehensive mind map explores three major sociological perspectives: Marxism, Functionalism, and Feminism. It serves as an excellent GCSE Sociology revision tool for Year 10 students, providing key concepts, theorists, and criticisms associated with each perspective.

Marxism

Marxism, founded by Karl Marx, is a conflict theory that focuses on class struggle and exploitation in capitalist societies.

Vocabulary: Bourgeoisie - The middle/upper class who have an interest in preserving capitalism.

Vocabulary: Proletariat - A term coined by Karl Marx to describe the working class in the 19th century, who were exploited by the bourgeoisie.

Marxists believe that society is in conflict between classes, with the bourgeoisie suppressing the proletariat through various social institutions, often without their full knowledge.

Highlight: Use the word "exploitation" in exams when discussing Marxism!

Criticism of Marxism

Example: A03 - Marx overlooked other social divisions such as gender and ethnicity.

Functionalism

Functionalism, with Emile Durkheim as its founding father, is a consensus theory that views society as a system of interconnected parts working together to maintain social order.

Definition: Organic Analogy - The idea that society works like the human body, with each institution having a specific function.

Functionalists believe in harmony and agreement within society, focusing on how society is structured to maintain stability.

Vocabulary: The New Right - The political term for functionalism.

Functionalists argue that everyone has an equal chance and shares the same norms and values, often overlooking societal inequalities.

Criticism of Functionalism

Example: A03 - Britain is not a meritocracy because of unequal class and wealth, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and racism.

Feminism

Feminism is a perspective that focuses on gender inequality and aims to challenge the systematic inequalities women face in society.

Definition: Patriarchy - A system of society in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.

Feminists argue that society is a patriarchy and that the family oppresses women. They highlight how gender roles are reinforced from an early age.

Example: Canalisation - The way parents channel their children's interests into toys, games, and activities they believe are "gender appropriate." For instance, girls are often given Barbies and baby dolls, while boys are given nerf guns and toy cars.

Historical Context

The feminist movement has its roots in the suffragist movement of the early 19th century, which later evolved into the more militant suffragette movement led by Emiline Pankhurst in 1903.

Quote: "Deeds not words" - This slogan encapsulates the suffragettes' approach, which included violent protests, propaganda, and hunger strikes when arrested.

Quote: "Quiet women seldom make history" - This quote emphasizes the importance of women speaking up and taking action to effect change.

Criticism of Feminism

Critics argue that feminism focuses too much on the negative experiences of women and that radical feminism tends to portray women as universally good and men as universally bad.

This mind map for GCSE Sociology provides a comprehensive overview of these three major sociological perspectives, serving as an excellent revision tool for Year 10 students. It helps in understanding the complex interplay of social theories and their impact on our understanding of society.