Sociological theories help us understand how society works and why... Show more
Sociology
HumanitiesSign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
424
•
8 Dec 2025
•
Exploring Structural and Action Theories: Features, Strengths, and Weaknesses
samantha curdy
@samanthacurdy_wvxjjw
1 / 3
Structural Theories: The Big Picture
Ever wondered why society seems to follow certain patterns? Structural theories argue that massive social forces shape our behaviour more than we realise.
Functionalism, founded by Emile Durkheim, sees society like a human body where every part works together. It believes in value consensus - that we all basically agree on what's right and wrong through socialisation. Think of schools, families, and governments all working together to keep society stable.
Marxism takes a completely different view, focusing on class conflict between the wealthy bourgeoisie (business owners) and the proletariat (workers). Marx argued that capitalism creates exploitation through surplus value - basically, workers create more value than they're paid for.
Key insight: Functionalism sees cooperation everywhere, whilst Marxism sees conflict and inequality as the driving forces of society.
Both theories have major blind spots though. Functionalism struggles to explain why there's so much conflict if we all agree on values. Marxism gets criticised for being too focused on class and ignoring other important factors like gender and race.
Feminism and Gender Inequality
Feminism emerged as a powerful challenge to male-dominated sociology, starting with Mary Wollstonecraft's groundbreaking work in 1792. It's both an academic theory and a political movement fighting for gender equality.
Feminists argue that both Functionalism and Marxism completely miss how patriarchy shapes society. They're particularly critical of how the welfare state assumes women should be economically dependent on men through traditional family structures.
The movement has achieved massive legal victories - voting rights, equal pay legislation, and abortion rights. It's also transformed sociology by introducing women's perspectives and challenging "malestream" research that ignored half the population.
Remember: Feminism isn't just about theory - it's about real political change that's transformed women's lives.
However, critics argue that feminism can be too focused on gender whilst ignoring how class and ethnicity also create inequality. Black feminists particularly highlight how mainstream feminism often overlooks racial discrimination.
Action Theories: Individual Choice Matters
Whilst structural theories see us as puppets of social forces, action theories argue that individuals actually have real power to shape their own lives and society.
Max Weber tried to bridge this gap, arguing that both structure and individual action matter. He introduced verstehen (understanding) - the idea that sociologists need to understand the meanings behind people's actions. His work on the Protestant work ethic showed how religious beliefs could drive economic change.
Symbolic Interactionism goes even further, focusing on how we create meaning through everyday interactions. Key concepts include role-taking (seeing yourself from others' perspectives) and the looking glass self (building identity from others' reactions).
Think about it: Every time you check how you look before posting on social media, you're demonstrating the "looking glass self" in action.
The labelling theory within this approach explains how being labelled (as "smart", "troublemaker", etc.) can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. However, critics argue these micro-level theories ignore the massive influence of social structures like education systems and economic inequality.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Sociological Functionalism
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Structural and Action Theories: Features, Strengths, and Weaknesses
samantha curdy
@samanthacurdy_wvxjjw
Sociological theories help us understand how society works and why people behave the way they do. There are two main camps: structural theories that focus on big social forces shaping our lives, and action theories that emphasise individual choice and... Show more
Structural Theories: The Big Picture
Ever wondered why society seems to follow certain patterns? Structural theories argue that massive social forces shape our behaviour more than we realise.
Functionalism, founded by Emile Durkheim, sees society like a human body where every part works together. It believes in value consensus - that we all basically agree on what's right and wrong through socialisation. Think of schools, families, and governments all working together to keep society stable.
Marxism takes a completely different view, focusing on class conflict between the wealthy bourgeoisie (business owners) and the proletariat (workers). Marx argued that capitalism creates exploitation through surplus value - basically, workers create more value than they're paid for.
Key insight: Functionalism sees cooperation everywhere, whilst Marxism sees conflict and inequality as the driving forces of society.
Both theories have major blind spots though. Functionalism struggles to explain why there's so much conflict if we all agree on values. Marxism gets criticised for being too focused on class and ignoring other important factors like gender and race.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Feminism and Gender Inequality
Feminism emerged as a powerful challenge to male-dominated sociology, starting with Mary Wollstonecraft's groundbreaking work in 1792. It's both an academic theory and a political movement fighting for gender equality.
Feminists argue that both Functionalism and Marxism completely miss how patriarchy shapes society. They're particularly critical of how the welfare state assumes women should be economically dependent on men through traditional family structures.
The movement has achieved massive legal victories - voting rights, equal pay legislation, and abortion rights. It's also transformed sociology by introducing women's perspectives and challenging "malestream" research that ignored half the population.
Remember: Feminism isn't just about theory - it's about real political change that's transformed women's lives.
However, critics argue that feminism can be too focused on gender whilst ignoring how class and ethnicity also create inequality. Black feminists particularly highlight how mainstream feminism often overlooks racial discrimination.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Action Theories: Individual Choice Matters
Whilst structural theories see us as puppets of social forces, action theories argue that individuals actually have real power to shape their own lives and society.
Max Weber tried to bridge this gap, arguing that both structure and individual action matter. He introduced verstehen (understanding) - the idea that sociologists need to understand the meanings behind people's actions. His work on the Protestant work ethic showed how religious beliefs could drive economic change.
Symbolic Interactionism goes even further, focusing on how we create meaning through everyday interactions. Key concepts include role-taking (seeing yourself from others' perspectives) and the looking glass self (building identity from others' reactions).
Think about it: Every time you check how you look before posting on social media, you're demonstrating the "looking glass self" in action.
The labelling theory within this approach explains how being labelled (as "smart", "troublemaker", etc.) can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. However, critics argue these micro-level theories ignore the massive influence of social structures like education systems and economic inequality.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
10
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Sociological Functionalism
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user