The Normative Structure of Sociology (RLE Social Theory)
- The distinction between sociological understanding and common sense understanding
- How sociological approach differs from other social sciences in its attempts to explain social behaviour
- contrasting social perspectives
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Individuals are socialised during childhood to create norms and values, as well as to understand
rituals, according to Hofstede (2019). Norms are used to mediate individuals in various groups,
whereas values are unwritten rules that are acknowledged and shared among community members
(2019). Browne (2019, p.22) explains that sociology aims to understand how various institutions
interact with one another and the consequences for society, such as the family's relationship and the
impact on a child’s education. Below the understanding of sociological and common sense
understanding will be explained, including differences and similarities. The sociological approach will
be compared to the psychological approach, referencing to their explanations of social behaviour. In
addition, the sociological perspectives of functionalism and feminism will be explored, alongside
functionalists and Marxism’ explanation of the social function of family.
Sociological understanding is the systematic study of development, the structure and functioning of
human society. It relies on scientific studies to describe and understand the social environment.
Sociological understanding is based on large quantitative or in depth qualitative research (Robert,
1968).
Common sense understanding is knowledge and awareness held communally. It is logically
predicting possibilities from experience and observation we ourselves have made. We depend on
common sense to get us through many unfamiliar circumstances in our everyday lives. However,
although this information is often reliable, it is not always trustworthy because it is based on popular
assumptions rather than a rigorous study of evidence. (Reddy, 2011).
The distinction between sociological and common sense understanding is that common sense is
more of a statement of the obvious, which is based purely on assumptions and awareness of
something. It is held on beliefs rather than the systematic analysis of facts. Whereas sociological
understanding includes quantitative and qualitative data, which is high in reliability and validity, this
is because this type of data provides valuable data, by doing thorough scientific research, such as
interviews, questionnaires and providing statistics. Quantitative approaches disclose the number of
people who do something but are unlikely to reveal how and why this is done, this is where
qualitative research steps in and can help address the questions, along with additional details. This
shows that this type of date is high in both validity and reliability.
Sociology has a significant impact on behaviour. Perception of objects, words, emotions, and social
cues vary depending on where these are encountered. Sociology explains deviance by examining the
social factors that influence how people act. Political science, on the other hand, seeks to
comprehend the underlying mechanisms by which power, authority and laws affect lives.
Sociologists characterise deviance as breaking expected rules and norms. It is, however, more than
just nonconformity; it is behaviour that is radically different from social norms. The sociological
viewpoint on deviance has nuances that set it apart from common sense understanding of the same
behaviour. Sociologists emphasise social context rather than individual behaviour. That is, deviance
is viewed through the lens of group processes, definitions, and judgments, rather than as unusual
individual acts. Sociologists are also aware that not all behaviours are viewed the same way by all
groups. What one group considers deviant; another group may not agree. Sociologists acknowledge
that existing rules and standards are collectively formed rather than morally determined or enforced
individually. That is, deviance can be found not only in the behaviour itself, but also in how groups
respond to the behaviour of others (Ashley, 2020).
, Iqra Ramzan
RAM19127405
Deviant behaviour is the result of strain experienced by an individual when the community or society
in which one lives does not provide the necessary means to achieve culturally valued goals (Ashley,
2020). Merton reasoned that when society fails people in this way, deviance or criminal behaviour
will occur to achieve objectives.
Political science explains social behaviour as the way we behave is due to the laws that are set out
which have an influence on people’s behaviour to certain issues. Political deviance is defined as
behaviour, such as engaging in social interactions, that places others at a personal or political
disadvantage. The media has an impact on political abnormality because it instils fear and a reward
system in the public if they do not deviate from the norms. Gender, education level, race, income,
age, and marital status of individuals are other variables associated with public attitudes and
whether they engage in political deviance (Sociology vs. Political Science Major).
When it comes to explaining social behaviour, distinguishing between sociology and political science
may be difficult. Both are social sciences, meaning the pair are concerned with the study of human
culture. Political science is the study of government-derived influence, while sociology is the study of
social groups within society. Sociology explains human behaviour and deviance by examining the
social factors that influence how people behave. In comparison, political science seeks to
comprehend the underlying mechanisms by which power, authority and laws affect our lives. It
carries out research on political issues such as the relationship between two countries.
Social sciences are known to deal with the different aspects of social life. Social sciences such as
psychology, anthropological, political, or economic. Marxism is a conflict theory and a macro
perspective. It reflects on society's foundation and structure. Karl Marx believed that the economy
was important and, as a result, had a significant impact on society. Individual freedom of choice has
been criticised as a weakness of Marxism. People think for themselves; philosophy does not
‘brainwash' them. Marxism, too, can present a ‘over socialised' image of human beings in this regard
(Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, 1867).
Marxism has often been chastised for arguing that all cultural interaction is shaped by class or
economic interests. Furthermore, Marxists dismiss the possibility that culture reflects religious,
patriarchal, nationalistic, and ethnic interests. In addition, the Marxist approach to socialisation is
motivated by the concept of philosophy and the assertion that the dominant ideas are the ruling
class's ideas. Marxists conclude that we are socialised as a result of our environment. It examines
how capitalism affects labour, productivity, and economic development, and it calls for a workers'
movement to overthrow capitalism and communism in its place. Marxism is centred on the conflict
between social classes, namely the bourgeoisie, or capitalists, and the proletariat, or employees. The
Marxist viewpoint is the study of conflict between the wealthy capitalists who rule society and the
working class who work to increase profits.
Feminism, like Marxism, is a conflict paradigm, arguing that society's institutions are set up to serve
the needs of the dominant classes, who are dominated by men. Feminist theory examines normative
or ethical issues such as whether a society's gender roles are equal, as well as seeks to explain and
justify how gender systems work.
In terms of exploitation and domination, Feminism is similar to Marxism, however unlike Marxism,
which has focuses on the exploitation of the workers by the Bourgeoisie, Feminism centres focus on
the dominance of women by men. It is a gender issue rather than a class issue. It is a macro
approach, similar to Marxism. Marxist-feminists debate that patriarchy benefits both men and the
patriarchal system since women provide unpaid domestic labour to the male labour force, keeping
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