...enlightens on how religion and family is affected by the 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...
Words: 3236 - Pages: 13
...Examine the extent to which religion can still be said to be functional for individuals and for society (18 marks) Functionalists define religion as promoting social solidarity and integration. This can be described using the biological analogy- each segment of society performs a function, this maintains an equilibrium, without which society would disintegrate. Functionalists see religion as contributing positively to society, as it performs functions for the individual as it creates a sense of purpose for life, both religion for society and the individual then creates equilibrium. Durkheim argued that society worships the sacred and the profane, “The scared” are objects that set religions apart, and they are used to inspire individuals and bring other individuals together, an example of this is The Bible, The Bible is a sacred object for Christians, The Bible can bring the Christian community together as it is something that the religion worships. Durkheim believes that when people worship their sacred objects they are worshipping society. This is shown in Toteism religion, the worship of objects influence the tribe, the Aruntas, way of life. This reinforces solidarity and cohesion. Some can also say religion creates a “Collective Conscience”, as the sacred symbols can reflect society, the rituals of the religion maintains the social solidarity, and gives a sense of belonging as others share the same values and norms. This therefore suggests it has a function for society...
Words: 1300 - Pages: 6
...population is as follows. Firstly, they may follow religions than are not declining in popularity like Sikhism and Islam whereas Christianity in certain countries is on the decline. Secondly, if they are immigrating to a new country, they may use religion as a cultural defence and so will become more religious. Finally their culture that they come from may use religion as an integral part of socialisation and so they will carry on practising it when the reach new places. Q2. Religious organisations have been around since the first civilizations, they have been integral to do the development of the human race and modern day society. In the current day, many researchers and sociologists believe that people have stopped becoming lifelong members of these organisations, in this essay I am going to assess this view and find out if it’s true. There is arguments on both sides regarding the extent to which secularisation (decline of religion) is present in the world today, some believe it is associated with the modern day societies. Modernists feel the same way seeing our societies as focusing more on developments into science and rational research. Because of this, many sociologists see religion as being “incompatible” with our societies. The sociologists Weber (1905), sees humanity as becoming disenchanted (preferring scientific explanations over religion). As we are seeing through the previously held mystique of the world, we do not need religion to give us answers. In 2002, Bruce expanded...
Words: 1280 - Pages: 6
...in the structure and culture of society. Social groups are established by the development of relationships. Where social structure is concerned and how one unit or group of units relates to another, families are involved. However, linking not just families; churches, schools, businesses and communities are a part of the structure of the society also. Social structure therefore refers to the framework of a society, that is, the patterns around which society is organized and is instrumental in guiding our behavior. Larger social structures include groups and social institutions such as education and religion. More obscure structures are like those related to the economy. Not much aware of these obscure structures, nonetheless, they have great impact on the character of society overall. Social life is studied on both the micro and macro levels. Micro-sociology may focus on a social institution like the family and the quality of interaction among its members. At the macro-sociological level, we would attempt to understand a particular family structure as only one of millions of families making up this particular social institution. The single greatest contributor to and practitioner of functionalism in modern times, was Talcott Parsons. Parsons an American social thinker has had enormous impact on the development of sociological theory. His work gained prominence during 1940’s and 1950’s and his main contribution was to add to the view of society, the notion that functional relationships...
Words: 1715 - Pages: 7
...Sociological Theory 375 30 April 2015 Utopia: Work in Process For as long as the human species has been living on this earth, it has always pondered with a question of whether or not a perfect place where there is forever peace, harmony, and happiness. The concept of heaven reflects this worldly desire for such dreamland. But does one have to die to live in this uncertain utopia after living morally on earth? Many argue that with the right combination of certain social and economical policies, we actually don’t have to wait till afterlife to live in an ideal society. This paper will present the classic theories and contemporary arguments circulating the essential elements of societies and from these arguments, construing what elements are most important that could be used to create an ideal society. In order to part away from the religious view that heaven can only exist in the hereafter, we try to establish a scientific explanation of how we as human beings have come to existence through the process of evolution. This theory appeals significantly to us for at least two reasons. First, it gives some of us who aren’t as religious a more satisfying validation of our origin and our destination. This view opposes Max Weber’s description of a Calvinist who always suffers great inner loneliness due to his ambiguous predestined fate. Second, the theory of evolution is in alignment with our positive and pre-established perception of progress and improvement. In his book An Inquiry into the...
Words: 1887 - Pages: 8
...Sociological Theories A sociological theory is a set of ideas that provides an explanation for human society. Theories are selective in terms of their priorities and perspectives and the data they define as significant. As a result they provide a particular and partial view of reality. Sociological theories can be grouped together according to a variety of criteria. The most important of these is the distinction between Structural and Social action theories. Structural or macro perspectives analyses the way society as a whole fits together. Structural theory sees society as a system of relationships that creates the structure of the society in which we live. It is this structure that determines our lives and characters. Structured sets of social relationships are the 'reality' that lie below the appearance of 'the free individual' of western individualism. Structuralism focuses on the particular set of 'structural laws' that apply in any one society. Despite their differences, both functionalism and Marxism use a model of how society as a whole works. Many functionalists base their model of society around the assumption of basic needs and go to explain how different parts of society help to meet those needs. Marxists, on the other hand, see society as resting upon an economic base or infrastructure, with a superstructure above it. They see society as divided into social classes which have the potential to be in conflict with each other. However, the main differences...
Words: 9486 - Pages: 38
...Managing a Migrant Diaspora Poli 328 Peter McCauley - 260453861 As Europe becomes increasingly open, and its internal makeup begins to change, an important light has been shone on the internal identity politics of a swiftly changing continent. As the EU adapts its policy, borders, and even membership, the internal cleavages become increasingly pronounced. None more so than relations with European Muslims. This paper will examine identity politics as it relates to European civilization formation, looking at how Muslim political aspirations compare with those of other minority groups, as well as the changing face of Muslim political organizations and their role in changing perceptions. In determining the extent of Islamic challenges in Europe, it is important to understand how Muslim desires for identity recognition and respect compare to similar desires by other minority groups, as well as what constitutes equality in the contemporary epoch. Attitudes towards race and identity have developed beyond a mere colour blindness, towards a what has been termed “positive racial explicitness,” that is, taking pride in previously marginalized identities or in creating new identities as “a way of negotiating a position of equality and dignity” in today’s world. This hasn’t been limited to ethnic minorities either, but can be viewed in the identity politics of LGBT and feminist movements, especially in places where class politics have declined in salience. What is it that these movements...
Words: 2304 - Pages: 10
...study of how society is organised and how people experience life, it is based on global issues that can affect the living beings. Sociology helps us to understand the structure and the dynamics of society and the connections between how people behave and individual life changes. It helps examine ways in which the forms of social structure, groups, communities, organisations and other social interactions with how they affect attitude, opportunities and actions. In sociology there are six principal perspectives they are Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism, Postmodernism, Collectivism and New Right. Functionalism In 1951, Talcott Parsons introduced the Functionalist view which studies the social structure fully of how it functions and how each social structure is crucial in the interests of society. Functionalism believes that humans and society have basic needs, institutions. Governments may be responsible to meet the required needs also Functionalist may consider that the different kinds of sources may limit the individual’s behaviour within the chosen society, which may mean that society will behave appropriately based on their behaviour while having the same values. However the Functionalists view does recognise that there may be errors or inequalities within the society but bearing in mind this could be functional for society. There has been criticism against Functionalism as some may ignore conflict and diversity within individuals in the society. Talcott Parson’s...
Words: 2407 - Pages: 10
...Culture and Religion: An in Depth Analysis Culture and Religion: An in Depth Analysis “Religion is one element of a culture, a transcendent element of it." Francis Arinze The Influence of Religion One of the most pervasive influences in how people in various cultures and sub-cultures develop identity and purpose is through their faith and religion. One’s religious traditions - like family, tribe, or nation - anchors them to the world. Religious traditions provide structure, discipline, and social participation in a community (Samovar, Porter, McDaniel & Roy, 2013). Religion, also sanctions a wide range of human conduct by providing notions of right and wrong, setting precedents for accepting behavior, and transforming the burden of decision making from individuals to the supernatural power (Samovar et al., 2013). As such, religion responds to the basic human need to understand the purpose of life. This paper will examine five major religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism along with each of their core values and assumptions. It will examine the impact religion plays in cultures as well as the overall impact religion has on globalization in the 21st century. Through a personal reflection on religious diversity in the workplace along with an overview of the Society of Human Resources best practices to handle such diversity, it will provide recommendations on how to develop a cohesive culture that values diversity and aligns the tenets...
Words: 2712 - Pages: 11
...individuals within a given community. Institutions are identified with a social purpose, transcending individuals and intentions by mediating the rules that govern living behavior.The term INSTITUTION is commonly applied to customs and behavior patterns important to a society and to particular formal organizations of government and public services.Institutions...
Words: 1901 - Pages: 8
...111 Question: What is Sociology? Date of Submission: 7th Nov 2012 Mode of Submission: Coordinator Examiner: Mr.Olomi This paper proposes to show up, examine the concept of sociology and also to discuss the objective of sociology and its importance. The term Sociology as quoted by Geoffrey, et al, (1970 p.201) from the new dictionary of sociology state that, ‘sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies’. It is amazing and compelling enterprise, having as its subject matter our own behavior as social being. The scope of sociology is very wide, ranging from the analysis of passing encounters between individual in the street up to the investigation of world-wide social processes. To support dictionary, sociology is the study of societies in a scientific way. Before the emergence of sociology, there was no systematic and scientific attempt to study human society with all its complexities. Sociology has made it possible to study society in a scientific manner. This scientific knowledge about human society is needed in order to achieve progress in various fields. Father more; Sociology is the study of the social lives of humans, groups and societies. It concerns itself with the social rules and processes that bind and separate people not only as individuals, but as members of associations, groups, and institutions Sociology is interested in our behavior as social beings; thus the...
Words: 989 - Pages: 4
...and predicts the social world in which we all live in. The functionalist perspective are based on the assumption that society is a stable, orderly system (Kendall21). Meaning that the majority of society have the same beliefs, values and expectations on life. For example, each social institutions contributes important functions for society. Family provides stability, reproducing and social interactions. Education teaches different skills, knowledge and culture to our youth. Politics helps with the members of governing our society. Economics provide for the production, distribution, and consumption of our goods and services. Religion provides moral guidance and ways to worship a higher power. This is where one functions needs the other to complete itself. The functionalist perspectives takes the approach on the study of Sociology by how society focuses on how each part influences and is influenced by other parts. The Conflict perspective views society as different groups and interest who are competing for power and resources. The conflict perspective explains many different aspect of our social world by looking at which groups have power and benefit from a particular social arrangements. For example feminist argues that we live in a patriarchal society a hierarchical system of organization controlled by men. Society still view woman as not good enough to work in the same profession as men do. Which to me is not true at all. There are many Feminist...
Words: 1056 - Pages: 5
...SCLY 3: Beliefs in Society Revision Guide 2009-10 Name: Remember: You have to revise everything, because essay questions will focus on more than one area of the specification. The specification: The relationship between religious beliefs and social change and stability * Functionalism: conservative force, inhibition of change, collective conscience, Durkheim and totemism, anomie; civil religions * Marxism: religion as ideology, legitimating social inequality, disguising exploitation etc * Weber: religion as a force for social change: theodicies, the Protestant ethic * Neo-Marxism: religion used by those opposing the ruling class, liberation theology * Feminism: religious beliefs supporting patriarchy * Fundamentalist beliefs: rejecting change by reverting to supposed traditional values and practices. Religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice * Typologies of religious organisations: churches, denominations, sects and cults, with examples of each New Religious Movements and typologies of NRMs eg world rejecting/accommodating/affirming; millenarian beliefs, with examples of each * New Age movements and spirituality, with examples * The relationship of these organisations to religious and spiritual belief and practice. The relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs...
Words: 23270 - Pages: 94
...SCLY 3: Beliefs in Society Revision Guide 2009-10 Name: Remember: You have to revise everything, because essay questions will focus on more than one area of the specification. The specification: The relationship between religious beliefs and social change and stability * Functionalism: conservative force, inhibition of change, collective conscience, Durkheim and totemism, anomie; civil religions * Marxism: religion as ideology, legitimating social inequality, disguising exploitation etc * Weber: religion as a force for social change: theodicies, the Protestant ethic * Neo-Marxism: religion used by those opposing the ruling class, liberation theology * Feminism: religious beliefs supporting patriarchy * Fundamentalist beliefs: rejecting change by reverting to supposed traditional values and practices. Religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice * Typologies of religious organisations: churches, denominations, sects and cults, with examples of each New Religious Movements and typologies of NRMs eg world rejecting/accommodating/affirming; millenarian beliefs, with examples of each * New Age movements and spirituality, with examples * The relationship of these organisations to religious and spiritual belief and practice. The relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual ...
Words: 23270 - Pages: 94
...Examine the ways in which two of the following agencies may shape the process of socialisation: family, education, mass media, and work. (24 marks) This essay examines the ways in which education and family shape the process of socialisation. Socialisation is the process by which an individual learn or internalise the norms and values of society. There are two types of socialisation: primary and secondary. Primary socialisation occurs largely with family and involves acquiring basic skills and values. Family was chosen to show the formation of primary socialisation. Secondary socialisation refers to the socialisation received later in life through a wide range of people and agencies. They include mass media, education, work and religion. Education was chosen to show the formation of secondary socialisation. Sociologists consider family, specifically the parents as central to primary socialisation. This type of socialisation occurs when we are normally in intimate and prolonged contact with parents. Children learn language and basic norms and values. These can be taught formally but they are more likely to be picked up informally by imitating parents. Parents may use sanctions to reinforce approval behaviour (positive sanctions) and punish unacceptable behaviour (negative sanctions). These processes help children to learn about their role in family and society. Furthermore, a research carried out by Diane Reay (1998) on class and parenting. She made detailed study of 33...
Words: 1161 - Pages: 5
