...Assess the contribution of Functionalism theories. (33 marks) Functionalism, devised by Durkheim and Parsons, is a structural theory focusing on the needs of the whole social system and how these shape society’s main features, for example social institutions and humans’ behavioural patterns. The theory is a consensus theory in which views society as based on value consensus (agreement) between its inhabitants about their values, goals and rules. Durkheim saw modern industrial society as based on a complex division of labour which promotes differences between groups, weakening social solidarity. He argued that the resultant freedom to the individual must be regulated by society to prevent extreme egoism from destroying all social bonds. Essentially, he saw society as external and independent to individuals, being made up of ‘social facts’ that constrain and shape people’s behaviour to meet society’s functional prerequisites (needs). Durkheim further believed that if any one thing (‘social fact’) exists, it has a function which will help meet society’s needs, the key ones of which are goals (met through political institutions, e.g. parliament), adaptation (meeting members’ material needs, e.g. through the economy), integration (socialising members into the shared values and goals of society, e.g. through education and the media) and latency (maintaining society through reproduction of its members). Functionalists describe society using an organic analogy and compare it...
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...functionalist perspective. The functionalist perspective, also called functionalism, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It has its origins in the works of Emile Durkheim, who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. The functionalist perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of society by focusing on how each part influences and is influenced by other parts. Each of the social institutions contributes important functions for society: Family provides a context for reproducing, nurturing, and socializing children; education offers a way to transmit a society’s skills, knowledge, and culture to its youth; politics provides a means of governing members of society; economics provides for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services and religion provides moral guidance and an outlet for worship of a higher power. Functionalism has received criticism for neglecting the negative functions of an event. Critics also claim that the perspective justifies the status quo and complacency on the part of society's members. Functionalism does not encourage people to take an active role in changing their social environment, even when such change may benefit them. Instead, functionalism sees active social change as undesirable because the various parts of society will compensate naturally for any problems that may arise. Religion from a Functionalist Perspective The functionalist perspective examines...
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... and society make choices under conditions of scarcity. D. the efficient use of scarce resources paid for at the minimum level of cost to consumers and businesses. 2. The primary focus of the study of economics is with: A. expanding the production of goods and services. B. equalizing the distribution of consumer income and wealth. C. making the most efficient use of scarce productive resources. D. reallocating resources from consumption to production in the economy. 3. The general concern of economics is with the study of the: A. degree of competition in stock and bond markets in the economy. B. efficient use of limited productive resources to satisfy economic wants. C. issue of equality in the distribution of income and wealth among households. D. budget deficits in the domestic economy and trade deficits in the international economy. 4. Which of the following is not a central focus of the "economic perspective"? A. Scarcity and choice. B. The scientific method. C. Purposeful behavior. D. Marginal analysis. 5. The term scarcity in economics refers to the fact that: A. economic wants are limited and resources are abused. B. even in the richest country some people go hungry. C. no country can produce enough products to satisfy everybody's economic wants. D. it is impossible to produce too much of any particular good or service in a market economy. 6. The basic economic problem is essentially one of deciding how to make...
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... and society make choices under conditions of scarcity. D. the efficient use of scarce resources paid for at the minimum level of cost to consumers and businesses. 2. The primary focus of the study of economics is with: A. expanding the production of goods and services. B. equalizing the distribution of consumer income and wealth. C. making the most efficient use of scarce productive resources. D. reallocating resources from consumption to production in the economy. 3. The general concern of economics is with the study of the: A. degree of competition in stock and bond markets in the economy. B. efficient use of limited productive resources to satisfy economic wants. C. issue of equality in the distribution of income and wealth among households. D. budget deficits in the domestic economy and trade deficits in the international economy. 4. Which of the following is not a central focus of the "economic perspective"? A. Scarcity and choice. B. The scientific method. C. Purposeful behavior. D. Marginal analysis. 5. The term scarcity in economics refers to the fact that: A. economic wants are limited and resources are abused. B. even in the richest country some people go hungry. C. no country can produce enough products to satisfy everybody's economic wants. D. it is impossible to produce too much of any particular good or service in a market economy. 6. The basic economic problem is essentially one of deciding how to make...
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...Sociology // SOCI10143_SPR08 Portfolio Assignment April 11, 2008 The Four Perspectives There are four perspectives in the field of sociology. These four perspectives are symbolic interactionism, functionalism, conflict theory, and feminist theory. When evaluating a social problem, sociologists will typically use the theory which best relates to the problem. However, some sociologists may never favor a certain theory. Symbolic interactionism is a theoretical perspective in which society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicates with one another. Symbolic interactionism can be traced back to the eighteenth century when individuals evaluated their own conduct by comparing themselves with others, and using symbols to understand their own experiences. Symbolic interactionism relates with just about every aspect of a society. Without these symbols, we would not know who parents, aunts, uncles, etc are because those are just symbols to show relationship. There would not be movies, bridges, instruments, anything that requires a plan, a symbol of how it will turn out. These symbols also affect the behaviors of a society and how people act. The society would not know who to respect, who to obey, who to love because people would not have any symbol to classify their status in society. Functionalism, also known as functional analysis and structural functionalism, is a theoretical framework in which society...
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... and society make choices under conditions of scarcity. D. the efficient use of scarce resources paid for at the minimum level of cost to consumers and businesses. 2. The primary focus of the study of economics is with: A. expanding the production of goods and services. B. equalizing the distribution of consumer income and wealth. C. making the most efficient use of scarce productive resources. D. reallocating resources from consumption to production in the economy. 3. The general concern of economics is with the study of the: A. degree of competition in stock and bond markets in the economy. B. efficient use of limited productive resources to satisfy economic wants. C. issue of equality in the distribution of income and wealth among households. D. budget deficits in the domestic economy and trade deficits in the international economy. 4. Which of the following is not a central focus of the "economic perspective"? A. Scarcity and choice. B. The scientific method. C. Purposeful behavior. D. Marginal analysis. 5. The term scarcity in economics refers to the fact that: A. economic wants are limited and resources are abused. B. even in the richest country some people go hungry. C. no country can produce enough products to satisfy everybody's economic wants. D. it is impossible to produce too much of any particular good or service in a market economy. 6. The basic economic problem is essentially one of deciding how to make...
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...Systems-Oriented Theories Question 1: In relation to Political Economy Theory, which of the following statements is false? A: Political Economy Theory views society, politics and economics as inseparable B*: Political Economy Theory is derived from Positive Accounting Theory C: Legitimacy Theory and Stakeholder Theory are derived from Political Economy Theory D: Political Economy Theory can be divided into “classical” and “bourgeois” political economy theories Question 2: The difference between “classical” and “bourgeois” political economy theory is that: A*: “Classical” political economy theory explicitly considers class conflict and the role of the state in its analysis while “bourgeois” political economy theory does not B: “Bourgeois” political economy theory explicitly considers class conflict and the role of the state in its analysis, while “classical” political economy theory does not C: “Classical” political economy theory is a normative theory whereas “bourgeois” political economy theory is a positive theory D: “Bourgeois” political economy theory is a normative theory whereas “classical” political economy theory is a positive theory Question 3: Which of the following statements is false? A: Legitimacy theory is derived from “classical” political economy theory B*: Legitimacy theory suggests that organisations will act in a way that society perceives as legitimate C: Legitimacy theory relies upon the notion of the “social contract” D: Legitimacy theory asserts...
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...Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,’ examines how diverse perspectives are presented through numerous language and stylistic techniques. Predominant techniques used to convey these perspectives include the first-person narrative perspective of Christopher, the narrative conversion through letters from mother, and Christopher’s interactions with society. These techniques contribute to the development and exploration of perspectives throughout the novel. Haddon’s use of first-person narration enables the reader to experience Christopher’s perception of the world and his terminal struggle with human interaction and fundamental concepts. This technique provides an understanding of living with Asperger’s...
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...society, yet it has prevented Americans from accepting the notion that an epidemic could strike their own country. Epidemics in the Modern World by Joann P. Krieg examines American society's reaction to the outbreak of epidemics in this country. Krieg threads the theme of American Romanticism throughout her work, as she explores the reactions of politicians, literary figures, and society in general to the outbreak of disease. Krieg also gives some biological information on the diseases that have haunted the American utopia. While this potpourri of information creates a valuable source for one studying the social effects of disease, its extensive discussion on literary topics becomes long-winded and irrelevant. Krieg explores the outbreak of five American epidemics: smallpox, cholera, yellow fever, TB, and AIDS. While reactions to each were different, Krieg shows that American Romanticism, the notion that "it couldn't happen to us", was prevalent in each of society's reactions to these epidemics. American Romanticism limited the swiftness to which the government, as well as the people, reacted to the outbreak of epidemics. Government often did not acknowledge the outbreak of an epidemic in America because it would blemish the image of the "city upon a hill". Even if they did acknowledge an epidemic, the government often quarantined ports to limit the influx of what was surely a foreign disease. Krieg adeptly gives historical perspective to each of the epidemics,...
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...AN ANALYSIS OF THE CULTURE OF AN ORGANIZATION The Student’s Name The Name of the Class Professor The Name of the University The city and State where it is Located The Date Contents 1.0 Background to the Organization...........................................................................................4 2.0 Theoretical Framework.........................................................................................................5 3.0 Discussion of Central Topic..................................................................................................8 4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations.....................................................................................13 References..................................................................................................................................14 List of Figures Fig: 2.0 Diagrammatic representations of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions...............................7 AN ANALYSIS OF THE CULTURE OF AN ORGANIZATION 1.0 Background to the Organization Organization culture is a predominant aspect of an organization’s internal environment Azhar (2003). Culture, to some extent, influences performance and efficiency in an organization Rousseau (2000). Every organization has its unique culture that differs from that of other corporate Schein (2004). For purposes of this report I chose IKEA group, I will conduct an in-depth analysis of its culture using the appropriate...
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...AN ANALYSIS OF THE CULTURE OF AN ORGANIZATION The Student’s Name The Name of the Class Professor The Name of the University The city and State where it is Located The Date Contents 1.0 Background to the Organization...........................................................................................4 2.0 Theoretical Framework.........................................................................................................5 3.0 Discussion of Central Topic..................................................................................................8 4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations.....................................................................................13 References..................................................................................................................................14 List of Figures Fig: 2.0 Diagrammatic representations of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions...............................7 AN ANALYSIS OF THE CULTURE OF AN ORGANIZATION 1.0 Background to the Organization Organization culture is a predominant aspect of an organization’s internal environment Azhar (2003). Culture, to some extent, influences performance and efficiency in an organization Rousseau (2000). Every organization has its unique culture that differs from that of other corporate Schein (2004). For purposes of this report I chose IKEA group, I will conduct an in-depth analysis of its culture using the appropriate...
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...Introductory Sociology Online Test 1 February 26, 2011 Chapter 1 Questions: 1. The sociological perspective stresses the ___________________ in which people live. a. social contexts b. geographical location c. neighborhoods d. cities 2. What world event most inspired the development of sociology? a. the Industrial Revolution b. the invention of the printing press c. the discovery of the New World d. the drafting of the U.S. Constitution 3. According to Marx, the capitalists, who own the means of production, exploit the: a. bourgeoisie b. proletariat c. masses d. peasants 4. The degree to which people are tied to their social group is called: a. social prevention b. positivism c. social submergence d. social integration 5. Laud Humphreys’ study of a city park bathroom resulted in an ethical controversy because: a. his study could not be replicated b. his results were falsified c. some of his writing had been plagiarized d. he used deception and did not identify himself as a researcher 6. Weber concluded that the key factor in the rise of capitalism was: a. social upheaval b. survival of the fittest c. religion d. technology 7. Despite writing an insightful examination of the United States, Harriet Martineau’s work was ignored because she was: a. not a real sociologist b. a theologian ...
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...sociological perspectives that shape the structure of society as a whole. Functionalist perspective, symbolic interactionism and conflict theory. Sociologists develop these theories to explain social phenomena. In this essay I will explain the origins and evolution of the three main sociological perspectives and listing the sociologists that made major contributions to these disciplines. “The functionalist perspective is a sociological approach which emphasizes the way that parts of a society are structure to maintain its stability,” (Schaefer & Lamm, 1998). This perspective takes a look at society in a positive manner and sees it as stable, when all the parts are working together. With the functionalist view every social aspect of a society contributes to the society’s survival, and if not, then the aspect will not pass onto the next generation. There were two people who were mainly involved in the development of the functionalist perspective. The French sociologist David Emile Durkeim and Talcott Parsons. Durkheim contributed to the functionalist perspective when he studied religion, and how it was responsible for people feeling solidarity and unity in groups. Parsons was a sociologist from Harvard University who was greatly influenced by Durkheim. In return, he influences Sociology by dominating the field, with his functionalist views for four decades (Schaefer & Lamm, 1998). When approaching a subject with the functionalist perspective, manifest and...
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...society, yet it has prevented Americans from accepting the notion that an epidemic could strike their own country. Epidemics in the Modern World by Joann P. Krieg examines American society's reaction to the outbreak of epidemics in this country. Krieg threads the theme of American Romanticism throughout her work, as she explores the reactions of politicians, literary figures, and society in general to the outbreak of disease. Krieg also gives some biological information on the diseases that have haunted the American utopia. While this potpourri of information creates a valuable source for one studying the social effects of disease, its extensive discussion on literary topics becomes long-winded and irrelevant. Krieg explores the outbreak of five American epidemics: smallpox, cholera, yellow fever, TB, and AIDS. While reactions to each were different, Krieg shows that American Romanticism, the notion that "it couldn't happen to us", was prevalent in each of society's reactions to these epidemics. American Romanticism limited the swiftness to which the government, as well as the people, reacted to the outbreak of epidemics. Government often did not acknowledge the outbreak of an epidemic in America because it would blemish the image of the "city upon a hill". Even if they did acknowledge an epidemic, the government often quarantined ports to limit the influx of what was surely a foreign disease. Krieg adeptly gives historical perspective to each of the...
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...Major Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences Sociology: the scientific study of the development, structure and functioning of human society (Oxford). When the topic of discussion is sociology, Auguste Comte, the “father of positivism” would come to mind, as it was he who first coined the term “sociology” (Kreis, 2009). Comte also emphasized that the study of society must be scientific and he pushed sociologists to employ the use of qualitative methods such as observation, historical comparative analysis and experimentation. Sociological Perspective is the way in which we view sociological phenomena (Long, 2011). Among the many perspectives that exist there are three theoretical perspectives that are widely acknowledged by sociologists, these are the symbolic-interactionist perspective, conflict perspective and functionalist perspective. The analysis of social phenomenon occurs at varying levels by one of the three main theoretical perspectives or paradigms which provide sociologists with an orienting position or rather a philosophical position used to guide their questions about a society and its inhabitants. These phenomena range from evident interpretations to sweeping generalizations of society and its social behavior. Everything is studied from specific events straight up to the “big picture”, this would include the micro levels and macro levels of a society’s social patterns. The origin of the symbolic-interactionist theory traces back to...
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