The Consensus Versus Conflict Debate (AQA GCSE Sociology)
Revision Note
Written by: Raj Bonsor
Reviewed by: Cara Head
Debates within sociology: conflict versus consensus
Sociologists disagree with how they perceive the social world, which is why there are different theoretical perspectives or approaches (such as functionalism, Marxism and feminism)
These viewpoints differ in whether they believe that society is founded on conflict (disagreement and disharmony) or consensus (agreement and harmony)
The consensus approach sees society in positive terms
The conflict approach is critical of the way society is organised
Consensus approach | Conflict approach | |
|---|---|---|
What is the argument? | Collaboration between individuals and groups working towards a common objective is essential to maintaining order and stability in society. | The way society is structured gives power to some groups over others. |
Which sociological perspectives? | Functionalist sociologists see society as based on value consensus, which is where people agree with society's norms and values. This consensus arises from the socialisation process during which people learn society's norms and values. | Marxism and feminism are examples of conflict theories that see society as based on conflicting interests between groups rather than on consensus The Marxist perspective sees capitalist societies as based on conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. |
How is social order maintained? | Functionalism argues that social order is maintained over time because most people support and follow the rules. | Social order is maintained because the bourgeoisie have the power to enforce order, such as influencing which laws are passed. |
Feminist perspectives
Feminist perspectives explore gender inequality, sexism and discrimination in society
As a conflict theory, feminists see society as based on conflicting interests between genders
Some feminist approaches see society as patriarchal, as men have power over and dominate women
These approaches explore how patriarchy is embedded within social structures such as families, education and the criminal justice system
They view domestic violence and men's control over decision-making as examples of how male dominance underpins family life
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you learn the studies conducted by the key feminist thinkers in this specification, including Heidensohn (1985), Carlen (1988), Delphy and Leonard (1992), Oakley (1982), and Walby (1990).
Interactionism
Interactionist sociologists focus on small-scale interactions between individuals and groups rather than on the large-scale workings of society
E.g. studying the interaction between students and teachers in the classroom and the impact of labelling
Interactionists seek to understand the meanings that people give to actions and situations, usually by using qualitative research methods
They are not interested in developing theories about society but instead believe the many daily interactions between individuals shape general society
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important to learn the studies conducted by the key thinkers that wrote from an interactionist perspective in this specification, including Ball (1981) and Becker (1963).
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