SOC212H1 Chapter : chpt 12.doc
Document Summary
Power is the most important explanatory variable (some have more n use it to maintain it @ expense of others social problems -sexism, racism-war) Conflict theory economic class is the most important source of power. Critical theory other bases of power are given greater importance. Groups with clashing interests n values with unequal resources compete = winners and losers. Groups struggle to have their own deffs of right and wrong. The source of deviance does not reside in the body or mind of person but rather int eh unequal relationships b/w ppl. Critical theorists r involved in long term process of building resistance to transform existing structures of domination n inequality. Praxis: as developed by marx, means combining knowledge with activism. Researched aimed at analysis exposure and resistance to oppressive social structures and systems. It is in itself both academic and political.
