WJEC Sociology: SY1

 Remember: a moral panic is an exaggerated reaction by the media that leads to an exaggerated response by those in authority  Stan Cohen wrote about moral panics when describing the reactions and responses to the fights between the Mods and the Rockers  What examples of moral panic can you think of?

 Functionalism is a theory that suggests that all of society’s institutions have a purpose Society is based upon a consensus Society is organic Society functions when norms and values are shared (this prevents anomie)

 Marxism is a theory that addresses class conflict and social inequality Society is based upon class conflict Society is artificially unequal Society will only become equal when the masses revolt against those with power and high status

 Feminism is a theory that suggests that society is structured in a way that favours men Society is patriarchal Society is structured by men for the benefit of men Feminist’s are divided about the best way in which to achieve gender equality

 Postmodernism is a theory that suggest that society does not exist – we are all individuals Society does not exist Individuals form an identity based upon what they consume Style is more important than values

 Interactionism is theory that focuses on the significance of labelling Interactionism does not look at society as a whole Interactionism addresses the relationship between individuals Interactionism regards labelling as a key factor in an determining an individuals’ experiences

 What is the purpose of youth?  Why are young people associated with rebellion?  Why do discussions of youth tend to focus on young men?  Is the notion of ‘youth subcultures’ out-of-date?  How does elitism, ageism, sexism and racism affect the experience of ‘youth’?