Sociology · Year 13 · Sociological Theory · 2.º Período

Structural Theories: Consensus and Conflict

A deep dive into macro-sociological theories, contrasting the consensus approach of functionalism with the conflict approaches of Marxism and feminism. Students will evaluate their relevance to modern Britain.

TL;DR:This topic revisits the 'big' structural theories that shape sociological thought. Students contrast consensus theories like functionalism, which see society as a stable system of shared values, with conflict theories like Marxism and feminism, which see society as a site of struggle between groups. This is a core requirement for AQA A-level, as it forms the basis for evaluating all other topics.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA A-level Sociology 4.3.2.1
• AQA A-level Sociology 4.3.2.2

About This Topic

This topic revisits the 'big' structural theories that shape sociological thought. Students contrast consensus theories like functionalism, which see society as a stable system of shared values, with conflict theories like Marxism and feminism, which see society as a site of struggle between groups. This is a core requirement for AQA A-level, as it forms the basis for evaluating all other topics.

Students will look at how these theories have adapted to the 21st century, including neo-Marxist views on culture and third-wave feminist perspectives on intersectionality. They will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of 'macro' approaches in explaining individual behaviour. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of social structures through collaborative mapping.

Key Questions

1. How does functionalism view the structure of society?
2. What are the key differences between traditional Marxism and neo-Marxism?
3. How have feminist theories evolved to explain contemporary patriarchy?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Marxism is just about money.

What to Teach Instead

Modern Marxism (Gramsci/Althusser) focuses heavily on 'hegemony' and ideas. Using a 'culture vs. economy' sorting task helps students see that Marxists also care about media and education.

Common Misconception

Feminism is a single, unified theory.

What to Teach Instead

There are radical, liberal, Marxist, and difference feminists who often disagree. A 'feminist spectrum' activity helps students place different views on a scale of how much change is needed.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle

The Social Organism

Groups draw a human body and label the organs as social institutions (education, family, etc.). They must explain how each 'organ' maintains the health of the whole 'body' from a functionalist view.

30 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

Class vs. Gender

Marxists and Feminists 'battle' to prove which form of inequality is more fundamental in modern Britain. Students must use contemporary examples like the gender pay gap or the cost-of-living crisis.

45 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share

The ISA in Action

Students identify one 'Ideological State Apparatus' (Althusser) they encountered this week. They pair up to discuss how that institution tried to shape their values to suit the ruling class.

15 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'organic analogy' in functionalism?

It is the idea that society works like a biological organism. Just as the heart and lungs work together to keep a person alive, institutions like the family and the law work together to keep society stable.

What is 'hegemony'?

Developed by Antonio Gramsci, hegemony is the way the ruling class uses cultural institutions (like the media) to persuade the working class to accept their values as 'common sense'.

How does liberal feminism differ from radical feminism?

Liberal feminists believe equality can be achieved through legal reforms and changing attitudes. Radical feminists argue that patriarchy is deeply rooted and requires a total revolution of social structures.

How can active learning help students understand structural theories?

Active learning helps students 'see' the invisible structures. By mapping out the connections between institutions or role-playing the 'clash' between different classes, students move from abstract theory to seeing how these forces shape their own lives.