...Micah Chrisman SOC-102 April 24, 2016 Ieisha Jones Theoretical Perspective Essay Structural functionalism is based on the idea that societies are made up of structures and functions. Structures include things like education, politics, family and economics. Functions are the what are produced by the structures; education provides learning and advancement within a society, politics provide social order, etc. These structures act like parts of a machine, each accomplishing a function to achieve harmony. However, because there are functions, there must also be dysfunctions. Dysfunctions are anything that go against the harmony of a society. The theory can be thought of like a car. Many different parts are needed for a car to function, but a number of things can go wrong before the car stops working. A car must have tires to move. If it gets a flat, it can still run, but it hurts the car and is less efficient. Dysfunctions hurt society, but unless there is a major problem, the society will continue to function. Conflict theory, as the name suggests, is a struggle for power. Karl Marx is the father of this theory. He believed that those in power will constantly oppress everyone else in order to keep their power. This theory explains discrimination within a society. At one point, white males gained power. In order to maintain this power, they oppressed the other races and women. This would allow them to keep power. Marx took this theory to all aspects of life. He saw capitalism...
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...Definition of Sociology The subject has been looked from various points of view and now it is an opportune time to define the subject properly. According to P.A. Sorokin “sociology is a generalizing science of socio-cuitural phenomena viewed in their generic forms, types, and manifold interconnections. ” (Bierstedt, 1970. 3-28) Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behaviour. The subject matter of sociology is huge and complex, and the knowledge produced by sociological research is still imperfect in many ways. However, it has taught us a great deal about ourselves. (RotarTson, 1977 :3) No formal definition of sociology is very satisfactory. Short definitions don’t really define; long definitions are clumsy. Yet a definition of some sort is needed, and sociology is often defined as the scientific study of human social life.. Human beings behave differently from other animals. They have unique forms of group life; they pursue customs, develop institutions, and create values. Sociology applies scientific methods to the study of these phenomena in the research for scientific knowledge. Sociology concentrates its study upon the group life of human beings and the product of their group living. (HurTon and Chester 1984: 25-27) The sociologist is especially interested in the customs, traditions, and values which emerge from group living, and in the way group living is, in turn, affected by these customs, traditions, and values. Sociology is interested in the...
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...Sociology = the scientific study of society and human nature I. What are the two components of the sociological perspective (imagination) and why are both elements essential? a. b. II. What is social location? a. III. What is the role of tradition vs. science in the origins of sociology and what is the scientific method? a. b. IV. Who was credited as the founder of sociology? What was he known for? a. b. V. Who was known for Social Darwinism and what is it? a. b. VI. How did Comte and Spencer differ? a. VII. Karl Marx believed that societal problems were a result of class conflict. What is class conflict? a. Class Conflict- i. bourgeoisie- ii. proletariat- VIII. What did Max Weber believe and how did he and Marx differ? a. IX. Explain Emile Durkheim’s following contributions to sociology? a. In reference to the discipline of sociology: b. Social facts or forces (patterns of behavior): c. Social integration: X. What was the role of women in early sociology and who were the key women figures (and their contributions)? a. b. c. XI. Explain racism in early sociology and the role of W.E.B.Du Bois? a. b. XII....
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...SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND LAW Module Information Pack Module Name: Sociology of Work Module Code: HRMT 3204 Academic Year: 2014/2015 A. Module Convenor Name: Mr. Harish FHOOBLALL E-mail: harishlall@yahoo.com / harishfhooblall@gmail.com B. Module Coordinator: C. Programme Coordinator: Mr Needesh Ramphul, Senior Lecturer D. Credits: 3 Credits E. Teaching and Learning Strategies: Lectures/Tutorials/Practicals/Seminars /etc. F. Method of Delivery & frequency of Class Lectures: 15 x 2-hours sessions Self learning plus tutorial: 15x 1 hour session Total: 45 hours G. Student Progress and Assessment: 30%: Continuous Assessment: (class test/assignments) 70%: Examination Total: 100% H. Summary of Module Content: This course will cover the following topics: Critical examination of changing nature of work in Mauritius (agriculture to manufacturing, service), changes in variety and pattern of employment relation, hours of work, patterns of reward and remuneration; employee representation and forms of employee participation; effects of social, demographic and macroeconomics forces such industrialisation and technological advances on labour market, gender and ethnicity, patterns of education and skill formation, globalisation etc.; families’ adaptation to these changes; future shape of employment in Mauritius. I. Module Aim(s): To familiarise students with basic sociological concepts and perspectives on work and develop their analytical abilities so as to better understand the...
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...Applying Sociological Perspectives Stephanie Ann Tombline SOC/100 May 30, 2016 Jennifer Hudgins Applying Sociological Perspectives Social networking sites - such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, Pinterest, just to name a few - provide individuals with an online web of global networking that allows maintaining social ties with one another. Sociologists often ponder, "How do these social websites impact society?" Above all, this is the question that is the central focus shared by all three of the primary sociological perspectives (Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and, Symbolic Interactionism) when studying and performing research on the topic. Otherwise, the three paradigms of sociological theories are differentiating interpretations of how they perceive social networking sites. Namely, I find this subject intriguing because humans are perpetually seeking innovations intended to ameliorate the quality of life, and diverse opinions pertinent to the effect on the gamut of society and individuals within a community, is inevitable. Albeit, each perspective's view generated as a result of these social milestones, equally hold valid points. Therefore, while social networking sites provide a multitude of beneficial improvements to the world, there are just as many issues that arise, and all three sociological perspectives serve to complement one another in the comprehension of social media networks and the sway they bring to societies. As Viewed Through...
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...their actions. 5. A predictive statement or question regarding a possible relationship between variables is called a(n) C) hypothesis 6. Which theoretical perspective of sociology views society as a system? D) functionalism 7. The concept that represents the main features of a phenomenon such as bureaucracy is called B) an ideal type. 8. Science A) is a process, itself a form of social behavior. B) All of the responses are correct. C) assumes that under identical conditions, the same cause will always produce the same effect. D) makes the assumption that every event is caused by other events. Points Earned: | 1.0/1.0 | | Correct Answer(s): | B | 9. When sociologists discover a correlation between variables, they have B) not established causation. 10. Studies of people's values, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions most frequently use C) the survey method. 11. The “sociological imagination” allows us to explore the relationship between private experiences and D) social and historical events. 12. _________________ is commonly credited with being the founder of sociology. D) Auguste Comte 13. A tool that provides sociologists with a set of assumptions, concepts, and statements about the relationship of various social phenomena is called a(n) D) theoretical perspective. 14. Which of the...
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...Version 1.0 General Certificate of Education January 2012 Sociology SCLY4 2191 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods; Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods; Unit 4 Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the standardisation meeting attended by all examiners and is the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation meeting ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’ responses to questions and that every examiner understands and applies it in the same correct way. As preparation for the standardisation meeting each examiner analyses a number of students’ scripts: alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed at the meeting and legislated for. If, after this meeting, examiners encounter unusual answers which have not been discussed at the meeting they are required to refer these to the Principal Examiner. It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination paper. Further...
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...Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology By Adilene Benavidez Sociology B1 CRN# 71786 Prof. John 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...
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...forward by asking the class a question at the end of your post. Note, your textbook cannot be the reference for this DQ. Finally, paste this DQ on to top of your initial response within this thread. Sociology - General Sociology Resource: NBC videos link, located on the student website Watch the following videos: Three Cups of Tea Northern Exposure Religion Unplugged School Girl Attacks The Joy of Garbage Young Evangelicals Discuss the videos as a team. Select one video clip to analyze as a team. Evaluate your selected video from the sociological perspective assigned to your Learning Team. Team A: Functionalist perspective Team B: Conflict perspective Team C: Symbolic Interactionist perspective Team D: Feminist perspective Team E: Evolutionary perspective Team F: As assigned by instructor Write a 500- to 750-word essay explaining the content of the video based on your assigned sociological theoretical approach. Preparea brief introduction that identifies the video and clarifies the applied theoretical perspective. Describespecific components of the perspective used in the evaluation. Explainspecific examples from the video from the viewpoint of the designated theoretical approach. Format your essay consistent with APA guidelines. You should consider signing up for a work study program if you want to get some professional experience. Most work study programs will...
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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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...Functionalism Sociology is the study of human societies and their patterns of behavior. It focus on the way people form relationships and how these relationships are represent by the concept of a society. Sociologist use three primary theoretical framework to explain different aspects of social interactions in relationship to society. There are functionalist theory, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism theory. Each theories provide broad perspectives that help explain different aspects of social life. Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It has its origins in the works of Emile Durkheim. Functionalism emphasizes each part of society is functional for the stability of the whole society. It views society as a living organism in which each part contributes to its survival. The various parts of society work together to keep the entire society functioning and regulated. Durkheim explain that stability and internal structure of societies are necessary to balance and ensure a society existence over time. Functionalism states that systems exist in society for good reasons. Functionalism is consider as the oldest of the main theories of sociology. With the rapid development of societies and social changes occurring over time, there are criticisms of the theory. Modern societies are more complex in comparison to older societies. Older societies were held together because most people performed similar tasks and shared values...
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...What is Sociology? To try and understand sociology, it is better to decipher what sociology is not first. Sociology is not social work, nor is it social policy. Although it is a system of strategies being used to reach a particular goal, sociology is not a science. Sociology is however the study of the world that we create, the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society. Like most academic disciplines, sociology developed two strands -theoretical and empirical. The theoretical is the four theories which give us different views on how to see why societies are the way they are. Functionalism is first and they believe that the structures of society are set up to allow society to run as smoothly as possible. Emile Durkheim was keen on the idea that individuals internalise the norms and values of society. This means they become a part of who you are - your personality and your identity. Marxism is the second theory, they think people are socialised into a culture based on their social class. They believe people’s identity depends on their class position in the capitalist system. Feminism is a perspective that views society as traditionally unequal between men and women, and strives for equality between the sexes. Feminism, as a theory in sociology, tries to point out the inequalities and find solutions so that everyone from both sexes are treated fairly...
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...Stephanie Newman Sociology 102 September 7, 2013 Instructor: Frank Smith Theoretical Perspectives Society can be viewed in so many different ways. Our perspective is just a simple way of seeing the world just as it is. Sociological theories assist us on how to explain and predict the world we live in on a social level. When thinking about “sociology”, one must include the three main theoretical perspectives of sociology: structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. As we take a look at each of these perspectives, they will give us incite on human behavior in the social world. Structural functionalism focuses on the structure of society and its stability. Meaning, just as the human body have structures (such as kidneys, heart, etc.) that work together to keep the body operating like it should, so does society. When society many parts function together smoothly, so does society as a whole. As an example, we look at parenting. When two parents work together to raise a child, they communicate with each other, listen and respect each other’s opinion, they both have the intention to want the best for their child, and their mind is in unison on discipline action, if needed. From this, the result is the child respects their parents, listen to the rules, and know that their parents knows what is best for them. Their family is a unity and structure. Now when, one of these things are broken, then the family as no unity. This leads us to our...
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...Examine the view that theoretical issues are the most important factor influencing sociologist’s choice of research methods. Many sociologists argue that theoretical issues are the most important factors to affect choice of method. Theoretical issues refer to what we think society is like and if we can obtain an accurate and truthful picture of it. There are four different concerns regarding theoretical issues which influence sociologist’s choice of research methods. Validity is a method that gives a true or genuine picture of what something is really like, which helps the researcher easily find out the truth. Sociologists argue that the use of qualitative methods such as Participant Observation gives a more valid, truthful account as it provides us with a deeper insight through firsthand experience. The next issue that influences sociologist’s choice is reliability which comes from Latin, replica meaning an exact copy of something. This results in the method being able to be repeated and creates a less bias and more accurate research again and again. Quantitative methods such as written questionnaires can be used as they are more reliable results than qualitative methods such as unstructured interviews. Another theoretical issue is representativeness which refers to how much of the characteristics you are looking for is represented by the people being studied. For example if a sociologist is researching single parent homes, you will not interview nuclear families, because...
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...CHAPTER 1 ANSWERS FOR THE MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS 1. b The sociological perspective is an approach to understanding human behavior by placing it within its broader social context. (4) 2 . d Sociologists consider occupation, income, education, gender, age, and race as dimensions of social location.(4) 3. d All three statements reflect ways in which the social sciences are like the natural sciences. Both attempt to study and understand their subjects objectively; both attempt to undercover the relationships that create order in their respective worlds through controlled observation; and both are divided into many specialized fields. (5-7) 4. c Generalization is one of the goals of scientific inquiry. It involves going beyond individual cases by making statements that apply to broader groups or situations. (7) 5. b The Industrial Revolution, imperialism, and the development of the scientific method all contributed to the development of sociology. The fourth influence was the political revolutions in America and France — there was no political revolution in Britain at that time. (8-9) 6. d Positivism is the application of the scientific approach to the social world. (9) 7. d Of the four statements, the one that best reflects Herbert Spencer’s views on charity is “The poor are the weakest members of society and if society intervenes to help them, it is interrupting the natural process of social evolution.” While many contemporaries of Spencer’s were appalled by...
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