Feminism: Feminism is a culture in the belief that men have developed and dominated society; feminists argue that male dominance has left society unequal in terms of pay, the household roles and an overall stereotype of women. There are three different types of feminism; Marxist feminism, radical feminism and liberal feminism, these are three different opinions into what feminists believe is correct about male dominance in society. Stereotypically, a woman is the ‘perfect’ wife to a man of working social class, who will spend her time in the family home completing household chores and looking after the children. People argue that without the role of a domestic housewife dominated by her husband, society will not be what it is today, or in a few years, women are said to be needed as a housewife in order for a household to run successfully.
Interactionism: Interactionism is the sociological approach which influences that small groups shapes our behaviour and the way we interpret things rather than the power of large institutions. Interactionists usually study diverse groups such as teenage gangs, patients and visitors in hospitals or social interaction in schools, they do this for a purpose and because they have an interest in the dynamics with those groups. They consider; how do different people see themselves? Do some have more power than others? We are the formal leaders? And are there some informal leaders who actually have power in the group? Interactionists see individuals as being influenced by the socialisation process however remaining the right to choose how they behave in society. In the family, a mother may understand what is expected of a ‘good mother’ but social action theorists believe that social roles are not defined because the society and the environments around us have changed, so therefore there is no real right or wrong. The main aim of the sociologist is to understand and value how people interpret situations and behave in small groups such as face to face situations.
Collectivism: Collectivism is the approach in which the government provides health and care services to support the vulnerable (poorer social status) in society. These health and care services are provided through tax and benefits to aid people the cost of these free health services, this is contrasted alongside the ‘new right’ who consider the welfare state being responsible in providing an individual or family with all the essential needs in order to live life at the ‘minimum’. Both collectivism and the new right are both part of political responses in order for the government to provide free healthcare etc for people who cannot afford it. Vulnerable groups of people in society are those whose children or elderly with physical impairments and also people who suffer with mental health problems. It has only really been since the nineteenth century that the government have really took a significant role into supporting the vulnerable.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is the sociological view that society has changed rapidly increased the uncertainty about our society. Some postmodernists maybe also believe that society has become ‘chaos’ and that it is very difficult for society to remain ‘old fashioned’ regarding the family, religion and social roles. They also believe there is no longer a ‘typical (nuclear) family’ anymore as society has changed so much, the term ‘family’ varies in such a wide range, it can no longer be defined. Postmodernists believe that individuals and groups of people (communities) make their own individual lifestyle choices and it is no longer up to someone of a high class or occupation. Society has become independent from even small things such as a choice in leisure activities and consumer groups that are now available to buy freely.
The new right: The new right implies that Margret thatcher stated that the welfare state was being taken advantage of and has never been challenged or questions before her election in 1979. The new right states that people have chosen to become completely dependent on the welfare state to look after themselves and the socialisation within their families. The welfare state was set up to help the vulnerable and those who simply cannot work an opportunity to on go and live independent lives. However since the welfare state has been addressed as problem that society are taking advantage of the welfare state, people are becoming more dependent on this financial support.
by
anyahastings (student)
