Which is a consensus theory?

functionalism. It sees society as based on shared values.

What do Marxists say socialisation teaches?

acceptance of capitalist ideology. People learn to see inequality as normal.

a society in which men hold power. It is the central idea of feminism.

How do functionalists explain deviance?

inadequate socialisation. The person was not properly taught the norms.

Which is a criticism of the functionalist view?

it overlooks inequality and assumes socialisation benefits everyone. Conflict theorists ask who really gains.

Consensus and conflict views of socialisation

In plain words

Everyone agrees that we are socialised. The argument is about who gains. One side says everybody does, because shared values hold society together. The other side says it is the powerful, because we are taught to accept our place.

8 things to know

Consensus theories see society as built on agreement about shared values. Conflict theories see society as built on a clash of interests between groups, in which the powerful benefit.
Functionalism is a consensus theory. It says that socialisation passes on shared norms and values, creating a value consensus, which means general agreement about what is important.
Value consensus gives social cohesion: people feel that they belong together, and society stays stable.
Functionalists explain deviance by inadequate socialisation. Children who are not properly taught society's norms and values go on to break them.
Marxism is a conflict theory. It says that socialisation teaches the working class to accept capitalist ideology, a set of ideas that makes inequality seem normal and fair.
For Marxists, socialisation leads to the reproduction of social class: children are prepared for the same class position as their parents.
Feminism is a conflict theory. It says that gender role socialisation teaches boys masculinity and girls femininity, preparing them for unequal roles. This keeps patriarchy going: a society in which men hold power.
Evaluation. Functionalism ignores inequality and assumes socialisation always works. Marxism ignores gender, and people who reject what they are taught. Feminism can overlook how much gender roles have changed.

Worked example

A school gives prizes for effort and tells pupils that anyone who works hard can succeed. Give a functionalist and a Marxist interpretation.

Functionalist: the school is teaching shared values of hard work and achievement. That creates value consensus and benefits everyone.
Marxist: the school is spreading capitalist ideology. Pupils learn that failure is their own fault, so inequality goes unquestioned.
The same event is read as cohesion by one theory and as control by the other.

Tips and tricks

Functionalism: consensus, good for everyone. Marxism: conflict between classes. Feminism: conflict between genders. Fix those three lines in your memory.
Evaluate one theory by using another. A Marxist criticism of functionalism is the quickest way to earn evaluation marks.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.

Consensus and conflict views of socialisation: 5 questions and answers

These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.

Which is a consensus theory?
- Marxism
- feminism
- functionalism (the answer)
- labelling theory
It sees society as based on shared values.
What do Marxists say socialisation teaches?
- acceptance of capitalist ideology (the answer)
- equal opportunities for all
- the rejection of all authority
- nothing of importance
People learn to see inequality as normal.
What is patriarchy?
- rule by the wealthy
- rule by the old
- agreement on shared values
- a society in which men hold power (the answer)
It is the central idea of feminism.
How do functionalists explain deviance?
- capitalist ideology
- inadequate socialisation (the answer)
- patriarchy
- the reproduction of class
The person was not properly taught the norms.
Which is a criticism of the functionalist view?Stretch
- it says too much about conflict
- it ignores shared values
- it overlooks inequality and assumes socialisation benefits everyone (the answer)
- it focuses only on gender
Conflict theorists ask who really gains.

5 questions

Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.

Worksheet

3 questions, 10 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.

Consensus and conflict views of socialisation

Cambridge IGCSE Sociology 0495 · 10 marks · papermunch.org

Name ______________________________ Date ______________

What is meant by the term "value consensus"?[2]
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General agreement in society about what is important and right.
I got this one
Describe the functionalist view of socialisation.[4]
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Socialisation passes on society's shared norms and values from one generation to the next. This creates value consensus and social cohesion, so society runs smoothly. Where socialisation is inadequate, people fail to learn the norms and become deviant.
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Explain the feminist view of socialisation.[4]
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Feminists see socialisation as teaching gender roles. Boys are socialised into masculinity and girls into femininity, through processes such as canalisation and media representations. This prepares them for unequal positions and maintains patriarchy.
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Answers: Consensus and conflict views of socialisation

1. General agreement in society about what is important and right.
2. Socialisation passes on society's shared norms and values from one generation to the next. This creates value consensus and social cohesion, so society runs smoothly. Where socialisation is inadequate, people fail to learn the norms and become deviant.
3. Feminists see socialisation as teaching gender roles. Boys are socialised into masculinity and girls into femininity, through processes such as canalisation and media representations. This prepares them for unequal positions and maintains patriarchy.