1. CONFLICT THEORIES
MARXISM and FEMINISM

2. CONFLICT THEORIES See society as a structured whole.
Structure of society is based on inequality of distribution or production of resources.
Struggle for power between different groups in society.
Society is therefore characterised by conflict.

3. Karl Marx
Contradiction and Conflict – the basic characteristics of all known human societies
Society divided into two parts – infrastructure(economic base) superstructure(political, legal, education systems)
Infrastructure shapes the superstructure – the economic system largely shapes the rest of society

4. Marxism Conflict
Workers work together to produce goods in conflict with the individual nature of ownership
Leads to class conflict
Society is inherently unstable

5. Marxism Conflict
Workers are oppressed and exploited by the ruling class
Basic conflict of interest between capital and labour
Workers produce wealth but large part of wealth taken in form of profits by the capitalist class

6. Conflict Theory Marxism
Ideology replaces value consensus
Ideology = Set of Beliefs and Values which disguise the truth and distort reality
People may be unaware of the conflicts of interest which divide them

7. Conflict Theory Marxism
People may not realise that some oppress and exploit others
Lack of awareness can help to maintain social order
People will not attempt to overthrow a system if they do not recognise its injustice

8. FEMINISM
From this perspective, there is an emphasis upon gender as a starting point in sociological analysis.
Feminism sets out to explain the position of women in society and focuses attention upon how women have been subordinated and oppressed.

9. Feminism
Attention is directed to the unequal distribution of power between men and women.
Attention is given to the study of culture, roles, socialisation and patriarchy.
It acts as an academic basis for the feminist movement which advocates equality of opportunity for women and men and the eradication of inequalities.