Favourite theories
Of the various theories covered in class or which you have read about, which makes the most sense to you in explaining the ways in which society works?
Search This Blog
This blog is exclusively for students on the Theorising Social Life module of the Sociology degree at West Suffolk College.
The sociological theory that makes the most sense to me in which explaining the way in which society works , is that of functionalist Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) . Functionalists believe ‘ that society is a system whose As a part of todays 21st Century society, I think the theory that makes most parts work together to produce stability’ (Giddens, 2017) . It is macro level approach using an organic analogy to describe different parts within society. The analogy is that of the human’s body , the blood being pumped around the heart , keeping all the other organs healthy. All aspects of society working together to produce a smooth- running world.
ReplyDeleteHe believed that society exerted a powerful force on people and individuals. By a ‘ conscious collective’ a shared way of understanding through norms beliefs and values . This would bring people together and create a social integration. It was important that all elements of society worked together in all its elements – interconnectivity- in order for society to function properly. The socialisation through family, education, church, small communities all contribute towards a shared social conscious. For example, families send their children to school to get a good education, these leads to children getting a job , paying taxes and following society’s regimes. Durkheim also believed that deviance . albeit a disorganisation, was a good thing in society and needed in some forms, to clarify and define social norms and correct ways to behave. The deviance of people would confirm how people should behave within society thus strengthening the correct norms and values deviance encouraged social change – seeing someone punished reinforced what was seen as unacceptable behaviour learning right from wrong . I think this helps people’s anxieties by keeping society within boundaries- people feeling secure within certain boundaries-moral and social. I think in today’s society this is very relevant especially regarding mental health- knowing right and wrong helps people feel secure. So even when things go wrong , it reinforces the boundaries for society and security. I think insecurities could create more issues with somebody having mental health problems.
Durkheim also believed that religion was another important institution- not just by worship playing and important part in binding social groups together- but in life crises such as birth and deaths and time so celebration such as weddings .This reaffirms group solidarities once again.
Although Georg Simmel ( 1858-1919) a German sociologist, eventually broke away from Durkheim, he did initially agree with the way Durkheim saw deviance as an integral part of society , to reaffirm the beliefs and norms.
Durkheim’s functionalism really resonates with myself, coming from a very traditional family, learning a good work ethic and parenting on the right and wrongs of society , going to school and learning, working and paying taxes, being part of social groups - has all lead to a rounded life where I would know my ‘place’ as it were , promoting security as well as a sense of belonging. He does not cover all aspects of society, it doesn’t account for individual agency, and there are some ideas that cannot be placed within 21st century, but on the whole this theory makes the most sense to me,
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA theory which I feel explains society would be that of Talcott Parsons. Talcott Parsons was a structural functionalist who was heavily influenced by his religious beliefs, as well as Durkheim and Karl Marx; argued that society is glued together by their shared values and each part contributes to the overall function. Parsons argues that an individual’s role in society are all made through the behaviours that I repeated in interactions which in turn become expectations entrenched within that individual. An individual can also have more than one role within society which is evident in today's society post up, all of which led up to the creation of the grand narrative AGIL; which was also known as PEAL. Parsons developed the grand narrative called AGIL to explain the operations of society.
ReplyDeleteAGIL means adoption goal attainment integration latency. Adaption is where the system must adapt to the wide social environment and any changes that occur. Goal attainment is the process in which the system must achieve most or some of its goals to remain relevant and be sustained within society. Integration is the formation of hierarchy to enable the administration of its goals, as well as the people within the system being allocated roles and trained up, becoming integrated to fulfil necessary positions; and finally, latency where the system must keep their core identity and structure overtime, through any changes both internally and externally. Talcott Parsons placed a strong emphasis on education being important which has been something that has been iterated to me my entire life my entire life. Education is arguably the backbone for many roles within society be it work roles or personal roles it plays a part in everything you do internally and externally, and you are socialised to believe in the importance of education; even if at some point you Rebel against from it. Education Is a secondary socialisation that would instil norms and values within the individual. Backed up by the work of Charles S levy who states that the educational institution plays the purpose of uncovering and transmitting knowledge for general and for particular social uses. Socialising individuals into society as well into various professions which have always constituted a significant part of this grand design (LEVY, C. S. 1971 p.26).
Another theory that I feel explains society is that of Ervin Goffman. Irving Goffman created the theory of dramaturgy Where he theorises that, individuals within society performed on different stages. These stages all depend on the audience they are performing too for example an individual would perform differently to their employer then they would to their friends. Goffman then goes on to explain that there is also a backstage where the individual is the truest Version of themselves. However, the stages can become merged to the point the individual loses their true identity through the continuous performances they play in society. Impression management was another theory by Ervin Goffman. Impression management is the process in which individuals act the way they believe society wants them to act hiding any traits they feel may be deemed negative. However, impression management only works if the audience is In Sync with the performer, if the perception the performer shows is not In Sync with what society wants to see that damages the individual sense of self.