...Conflict theory as a social science perspective consider stratification very negative and establishing more inequality in society that benefit the elite class over the working class. Karl Marx have originated the idea of the conflict theory suggesting that its based on the continuous competition between class to reach more power and more social advantage. At the top the hierarchical stratification we find the capitalist class, the bourgeoisie who owns the most important means of production, through which they exploits the working class through there method of control selling good for more than their actual value including material and labor and making sure the working class have no type of power control or access to resources they always ensure...
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...ISSN 1648-2603 ● VIEŠOJI POLITIKA IR ADMINISTRAVIMAS ● 2004. Nr. 13 Accountability and Responsibility in Organizations: the Ethics of Discretion Raymond W. Cox III University of Akron Akron, Ohio, USA The article presents a comprehensive approach to the administrative discretion. The objective of the paper has been to outline a perspective and patterns of behaviour, which are helpful defining "discretion in action". Theoretical discussion on the issue has been extended towards practical implications. Author stresses, that establishing a decision-making architecture, leaders of the organization can create learning and supportive environment, which encourages appropriate and limited use of discretion. Raktažodžiai: atskaitomybė, atsakomybė, diskretiškumas, etika, korupcija, sprendimų priėmimas. Keywords: accountability, responsibility, discretion, ethics, corruption, decision making. Introduction Few aspects of Public Administration engender more controversy than the idea of discretion. For most, the attitude toward the exercise of discretion must be described as ambiguous and even ambivalent. While the necessity of the exercise of discretion is not disputed, there is little agreement on the normative foundation (Bryner, 1987) for that activity. Yet without a normative foundation, there is little basis upon which to judge the exercise of discretion. Recent literature on ethical practices in the governments of Africa has boldly asserted that discretion leads to the breakdown...
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...1. Conflict and human relation view on conflict 2. Sources of conflict Affective/psychological/relationship/emotional * Feelings and emotions regarding some or all the issues are incompatible * A condition in which group members have interpersonal clashes characterized by anger, frustration, and other negative feelings. Substantive/task/cognitive/issue conflict * Members disagree on their task or content issues * Disagreement among group members’ ideas and opinions about the task being performed. Conflict of interest * Inconsistency in preferences for the allocation of a scarce resource * The contention of managers A and B for the same vice president’s job Conflict of values/ideology * Differences in values or ideologies on certain issues Goal conflict * When a preferred outcome or an end-state of two social entities is inconsistent. Role Ambiguity * When a preferred outcome or an end-state of two social entities is inconsistent 3. Types of conflict Task conflicts * Conflicts over content and goals of the work Relationship conflicts * Conflicts based on interpersonal relationships Process conflicts * Conflicts over how work gets done 4. Thomas-Killman model Avoiding * It is an approach taken when they have little outcome or concern with the party with whom there is a dispute * Low concern or both personal goals and relatioships * This approach is also a strategy to put the problems on hold...
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...Have you ever noticed a divide in society between the privileged and who's who are not? Such as someone who is rich versus someone who is poor. This is what we call Conflict theory. How conflict theory is applied to our everyday lives can be seen through many different ideas brought about by these conflict theorists. Whether or not I agree or disagree with this theory, will be determined by the factors and situations that conflict theory has to show. Karl Marx, a philosopher, journalist, and revolutionary socialist, is considered the father of conflict theory. He pointed out the continuous competition for power between different classes in society and how the powerful groups exploit those with less. He suggested social order is maintained by domination. So power lies in the hands of those with political, economic or social resources. Conflict theorists stated that "Societies are more appropriately characterized by conflict rather than consensus"(McShane, Williams 127). This often leads to power struggles for those with less. This inequality still exists because those who are in a better position in society actively try to defend this standing. Consider the following, let's say an individual named Zack has a minimum wage income and is paying rent for a house. A conflict theorist might say the relationship between Zack and the owner would be strongly unequal. Zack could pay rent for decades and still gain no rights or economic interest with the property. Zack doesn't advance...
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...Carpenter September 24, 2014 Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Sociologist view society in three major theories: Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactions. Each theory used allows us to understand the views of social life. Structural Functionalism: “ Functional Analysis, the central idea of functional analysis is that society is a whole unit, made up of interrelated parts that work together”(Henson 2015:17). Structural Functionalism is the idea that different parts of society work together like that of a body’s organs to create harmony. It’s seen on a macro level, looking at the big picture. Conflict Theory: “provides a third perspective on social life. Unlike the functionalist, who views society as a harmonious whole with its part working together, conflict theorists stress that society are of groups that are competing with one another for scarce resources. The surface might show cooperation, but scratch that surface and you will find a struggle for power”(Henson 2015:20). A Conflict theorist, see society as two classes, the proletariat (worker) and the bourgeoisie (owners). It’s like a sports arena one team and fans being the workers and the other team being the owners competing for the win. The higher class you are, the more power you have. Status is very important for power and so is being in a political party. This theory is also seen on a macro level. Symbolic Interaction: “is that of symbols (things) to which we attach meaning...
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...course Calendar. 1. What is your cultural background, and what is it like where you live? 2. Describe how you have encountered the strange in the familiar in your own neighborhood or in some other place and what reference groups do people use in your neighborhood to define what is culturally and socially appropriate habitus? 3. In your neighborhood, are there ways that the people create social distance to separate themselves from others unlike them even to the point of being ethnocentric? CO1, CO7 Discussion Forum 2 Discussion Forum 2: Cultural Experiences In Discussion Forum 2, post your response to the following discussion question. Reply to at least two classmates’ responses by the date indicated in the course Calendar. Using a blend of your own experiences, supported by your understanding of the course readings and key terms integrate the following questions into your discussion board posting. It should be three strong paragraphs of 4 – 5 sentences in each paragraph. Then respond to at least two colleagues with an antithesis question on their posting. 4. Culture defines social roles, religion, family, fashion, foodways, language etc. within a given people group. Describe some aspects of your culture. 5. At times, culture goes against our own belief systems. How do we counteract this? Do we attempt to change it? Can we affect change? 6. Some families uphold particular traditions that we disagree with and constrains us. Define some ways to affirm the...
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...According to Kendall (2012), sociology is “the systematic study of human society and social interaction.” (p.5). It is the study of societies with emphasis on modern and complex societies. Sociology is also the study of the development and structure of the human society. It is concerned with group activities such as how people interact with each other and their behavior during the interaction. Sociology includes four major sociological perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and post-modernism. All of these theories in sociology equip us with different perspectives with which to view the social world. Each of the four major theoretical perspectives offer a range of explanations about the human behavior and social...
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...The Impact of Sociological Theories in Education SOC101 Sheila Schmitz May 7, 2012 Education is the key to success in a person’s life. Not being educated people would be hurting just to try and get through day to day life situations. There are three main theories that help with understanding education and that is functionalist theory, the conflict theory, and the interactionist theory. Theory helps us comprehend why different groups may disagree about how they view social problems, but why they all believe they are right (Vissing, Y., 2011, Chap 1.6). Education could be the difference from getting a low paying job or a high paying job. Education also plays a huge role in helping you to understand things better, it helps your social skills, the way people view you and also the way you view yourself. Functionalism Functionalism approach held that all social structures (institutions or stable units of society) exist because they fulfill some specific functions (Vissing, Y., 2011, Chap 1.6). They view schools as an institution to educate the next generation to give them the knowledge and skills to prepare the youth in their future occupational jobs and leadership roles. The functionalist theory also views all the ways education serves the need of society. Functionalists such as Parsons and Durkheim believe that the school environment is a microcosm (small version) of the adult occupational world and therefore prepare students for their future (Casey Kingsland...
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...Jurrell D. Harrison The Impact Of Sociological Theories In Education Introduction to Sociology Professor Whited Monday February 13th 2012 Education is often considered as the most important aspect of an individual’s life. Education essentially shapes a person’s future. Without an education, moreover a good education, in today’s economy people would struggle in everyday life just to make ends meet. In fact, according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, on a survey taken by 11,437 people in January 2011, is 16.5%. That is a staggering 1,892 people who are unemployed because they do not have adequate education. Thus it is therefore evident that an education, or some education is paramount to a person’s success or accomplishments in life. There are three theories that help understand education. Although most view these theories as opinions, these theories support the need for education by allowing society to better understand education and they demonstrate or help identify what education really is. The three theories that are important for purposes of this paper are: Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism. These three theories play a vital role in helping understand education and why it is so important. Contrary to most beliefs, the theories previously mention are not simply one man’s opinions, rather they give a prime meaning to the necessity of education. Traditionally...
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...The Rocket: The Legend of Rocket Richard AND Conflict Theory Cameron Fagan Our textbook defines Conflict Theory as the way that sports are shaped by economic forces used by economically powerful people to increase their wealth and influence (Coakley & Donnelly, 2011, p.8). Throughout the movie, ‘The Rocket: The Legend of Rocket Richard’ there are numerous confirmations that such events take place. Our first glance at conflict theory came when Maurice as a young man was working in a machinist factory. The workers bodies were covered in grease and other various factory products, hair drenched in sweat and bodies on the verge of exhaustion. The film depicts the job for lower-class individuals who were ‘lucky’ to even find employment. There were a few instances in the movie were the factory managers and foreman’s are walking around and at one point even literally ‘throw’ a worker out of the factory and into unemployment. During the era of the world wars, our country was financially unstable and left millions of people below poverty lines trying to make a living. These men who worked within the factories walls were not being properly compensated for the amount of work they were doing. The white collars were, “using their power to manipulate the workers their families to accept the existence of economic inequality as a natural feature of social life”(Coakley & Donnelly, 2011, p. 8). This is exactly what was taking place in Montreal;...
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...course Calendar. 1. What is your cultural background, and what is it like where you live? 2. Describe how you have encountered the strange in the familiar in your own neighborhood or in some other place and what reference groups do people use in your neighborhood to define what is culturally and socially appropriate habitus? 3. In your neighborhood, are there ways that the people create social distance to separate themselves from others unlike them even to the point of being ethnocentric? CO1, CO7 Discussion Forum 2 Discussion Forum 2: Cultural Experiences In Discussion Forum 2, post your response to the following discussion question. Reply to at least two classmates’ responses by the date indicated in the course Calendar. Using a blend of your own experiences, supported by your understanding of the course readings and key terms integrate the following questions into your discussion board posting. It should be three strong paragraphs of 4 – 5 sentences in each paragraph. Then respond to at least two colleagues with an antithesis question on their posting. 4. Culture defines social roles, religion, family, fashion, foodways, language etc. within a given people group. Describe some aspects of your culture. 5. At times, culture goes against our own belief systems. How do we counteract this? Do we attempt to change it? Can we affect change? 6. Some families uphold particular traditions that we disagree with and constrains us. Define some ways to affirm the elders and...
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...video games than watching television. There are many perspectives with which to gauge videos games’ effect on society, from a functionalist, conflict or interactionist perspective. (Schaefer, 2011) Each of these sociological theories can provide a different view of video games, how they affect society and the subcultures that develop around them. The functionalist perspective would emphasize the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability. (Schaefer, 2011) A functionalist may point out the manifest functions of video games as a facilitator of social interaction among friends, or the function of educational games in younger children. The functionalist may also observe latent functions, such as improving hand-eye coordination, or even unintended educational aspect of video games not intended for children (such as police coming and arresting the player character when crimes are committed in games, mirroring the real-life consequences of one’s actions) A functionalist can also characterize video games as a dysfunction I n society, with individuals neglecting other responsibilities in favor of playing the games, or stating that the games encourage violent or antisocial behaviors. The conflict theory would focus on tensions between groups (Schaefer, 2011), so someone analyzing video games from a conflict perspective may study the debate between those who characterize video games, and particularly violent video games, as a drain on society and those...
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...residential schools where native children were forced to attend, ideally, they would pass their adopted lifestyle on to their children, and native traditions would eventually diminish. Scott stated that his ultimate goal was “to be rid of the Indian question.” (CBC News, 2010) Over the years, the students suffered harsh treatment, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The issues addressed in the film are good examples of conflict theory as applied to education. Additional social concepts brought up for discussion also include ethnocentrism, social inequality, as well as gender assumptions/discrimination. (Education as we see it) Conflict theory was originally coined by Karl Marx, and later adapted and developed by other theorists’ including Max Weber. According to Karl Marx, in all stratified societies there are two major social groups: a ruling class and a subject class. The ruling class exploits and oppresses the subject class, and as a result there is a basic conflict of interest between the two classes. In summation, conflict theory can best be understood as a study of how the elite manage to hold onto their position at the top of the pyramid. (Culbertson, 2010) With regards to the particular film, the Canadian government and those running the institutions were considered the ruling class, and the Aboriginal society as a whole, particularly the students, were...
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...creator of Wal-Mart said his formula was, “Buy cheap, sell for less than the other guy and make your profit on high volume and fast turnover.” Wal-Mart can be examined using both structural functional and social conflict theory. Structural functional theory is when society is a complex system of interconnected and interrelated social structures each having a function and working together to promote social stability. One hundred million people shop at Wal-Mart every week. Wal-Mart is very convenient for people to shop at. Most people do not even have to shop at other stores because Wal-Mart has everything. It’s also convenient because it is right around the corner from a lot of customers houses; they don’t have to travel far to find a Wal-Mart store so they save gas. People already know that Wal-Mart has the lowest prices so they don’t have to search for stores with low prices. The items sold are good quality as well as cheap. What more could someone ask for. Wal-Mart is a world leader in logistics and promotes greater efficiency between its suppliers. Bob McAdam who is the Wal-Mart vice president states in the video, “We are raising the standard of living through lowering the cost of goods for people.” He is saying that Wal-Mart is good for America. Social Conflict theory is when society is not integrated but actually full of unequal divisions. People are in constant competition over...
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...“Observation at Local Fast Food Restaurant During Lunch” Author: XXXXX XXXXX XXX University Introduction to Sociology “Observation at Local Fast Food Restaurant at Lunch” Have you ever tried listening to everything going on at the same time at a fast food restaurant during the lunch time rush hour? Well, I did and I am going to share the results of my whirlwind encounter last week. Within my observation, I will go over the layout of the establishment in which my observation was conducted, as well as who came to the establishment, the conversations and the interactions that took place. I hope you enjoy my observation and respect my findings from this visit. The place I chose for my observation is approximately 4000 square foot, with a counter for ordering with cash registers, a kitchen or cooking area directly behind the ordering counter and a drink and condiment area. For dining in there are two separate sections within the restaurant and I chose to sit in the more populated section directly on the other side of the drink and condiment counter, with four tables on one side and three on the other. I chose to go at 12:30 pm, where I assumed that there would still be a large lunch crowd as my choice in locations tends to be quite busy at this time. When I arrived in the parking lot and walked through the entrance, the kitchen area was busy with everyone doing their own particular jobs, and the sound of a fryer’s alarm sounding off, to alert the workers...
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