Evaluate the functionalist theory of the family In this essay‚ I intend to analyse some of the theories behind the functionalist perspective of the family‚ it is my intention to look at two main theorists in this field‚ Murdock and Parsons. I to analyse their theories and give objective argument for the pros and cons of the functionalist family. I intend to break this down by looking at the theorists separately and then looking at arguments against the functionalist family. Sociology‚ second edition
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Outline and evaluate definitions of abnormality. Abnormality has three definitions. The first definition is deviation from social norms. Social norms are the approved and expected ways of behaving in a particular society. In terms of social norms‚ abnormal behaviour can be seen as behaviour that deviates from or violates social norms. The key weakness of the deviation of social norms is cultural relativity. Social norms by their very definition are specific to a particular
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social strata (Lenski‚ 1984). Social stratification involves a hierarchy of social groups and they either enjoy or suffer the unequal distribution of rewards in society as members of different social groups. Four principles are identified which help explain why social stratification exists. First‚ social stratification is a characteristic of society and not merely of individuals. Second‚ social stratification is universal but variable. Third‚ it persists over generations and fourth‚ it is supported by
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Evaluate postmodernist explanations of the role and functions of religion in contemporary society. Postmodernist religion can be defined as any type of religion that is influenced‚ interpreted or shaped by postmodernism and postmodern philosophies. Postmodern religion is not an attempt to banish religion from society; rather‚ it is a philosophical approach to religion that considers orthodox assumptions that may reflect power differences in society rather than universal truths. A postmodern interpretation
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“Today‚ the nuclear family performs an essential function in society” Functionalism is a consensus view that society is like the human body and couldn’t function without all its parts- Society is characterised by groups working together and widely agreeing on norms and values. They believe that society influences the individual‚ and the individual is less important‚ as long as society is running smoothly. It is also a Structuralist view‚ meaning the social structures (family; education; the media;
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Outline the view that Society is both Fearful of‚ and Fascinated by Crime. To explore why Society is both fearful and fascinated by crime‚ we need to understand firstly what is meant by ‘crime’. A crime can be taken as a specific act of deviance which breaks the formal rules or laws as stated by that specific culture or society. A crime is something that is unacceptable to society as well as is forbidden by the law. Anything that is unacceptable to society but is allowed by law is not a crime
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October 14th‚2014 Eng 122 A Marxist Approach to “2BR02B” Kurt Vonnegurt JR’s story “2BR02B” critiques how America os at the point of being over populated and the only possible solution to it is population control. The author implies that a human being is just an object that can be bought by another human being. Patiently waiting in Chicago Lyingin Hospital‚ Mr. Edward Wheling‚ was awaiting the arrival of his triplets. As the doctor and the hostess of the gas chamber were having a conversation
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Each group in society has a different idea on what the main role of the family is. As Item 2B says‚ “Marxists see all social institutions as serving the interests of capitalism.” This includes the family‚ and they say that it serves the interests of capitalism by maintaining and justifying class inequality and exploitation by the rich. Other groups‚ however‚ have different opinions‚ such as Functionalists who think that the family performs essential needs of society. Marxists and Functionalists
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Assess the view that in today’s society the family is losing its functions (24 Marks) According to functionalists the family has lost its functions‚ functionalism claim there is integration and harmony between different parts of society which rely upon each other to maintain a cooperating society. Functionalists view the family as vital organs in maintaining society‚ functionalism concentrates on the contribution of the family towards society and how the family fits with other social institutions
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Hwk – Outline and evaluate explanations of conformity (8 marks) AO1: Conformity is a form of social influence and is the tendency to copy other people’s behaviour and attitudes from within a group. Normative social influence occurs when a person desires to be liked and accepted by a group. They will publicly conform and change their behaviour but they will still privately reject their views. This change in behaviour is often temporary as this type of social influence leads to compliance.
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