Discussion Responses

Description

Please respond to the classmate’s discussion post. There are four discussion: Two for Discussion one and Two for Discussion two. Approximately 70 words each would be good. Thank you in advance.

WEEK 1 Discussion 1 Post
CLASSMATE ERIC’S POST

The first perspective is Functionalism. Functionalism is best described as different social intuitions that are independent but work best together and rely on one another to function well and meet social needs. The second perspective is the Conflict Theory. Conflict theory is the concept that society is defined on attainable power and the resources/structures that can be utilized for growth and benefit. Two huge contributors to this theory were Karl Marx who introduced the Marxist conflict theory and Max Weber with the Weberian conflict theory. Both had different views and definitions of power contributing to the overall concept of the conflict theory perspective. The last perspective is Symbolic Interaction. Symbolic interaction is the theory us as individuals make sense of our world and then share our interpretations through interactions. George Herbert Mead built the framework for this perspective and the core for micro-sociology.
There are some major differences between these perspectives though. Conflict theory, for example, sees positive outcomes, stability, and consistency of a social system as a win for the more powerful group as compared to functionalism, which sees the same results a positive for society as a whole. Functionalism also views parts of society as dependent to one another which is contrary to the other perspectives. Symbolic interaction is unique in that it is considered a micro-theoretical perspective and considers the impact of the individual on social behavior. Symbolic interaction also often argues that perception is more important than reality.
Each of the three perspectives also have their strengths and weaknesses. One of the strengths I see with functionalism is that much of the studies and concepts from this perspective are often deemed effective and beneficial. Functionalism, however, does leave out the influence of people to society. Conflict theory has a strength in that many of its conclusions from studies are similar, if not the same as functionalists, proving it to be a solid perspective. The main weakness with conflict theory is how power is defined to the theory itself. Symbolic interaction has great strength in that this theory provides fluid and a changeable version of society. A drawback for this theory is that all forms of communication are open to interpretation and can lead to varying results based on interaction.
Reference:
Durkin, K. F., & Carrothers, R. M. (2015). Sociology: Beyond common sense [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/ (Links to an external site.)

CLASSMATE CLARK’S POST
In chapter 1 of Sociology: Beyond Common Sense, we read about three sociological theories. The first being functionalism, next conflict theory, and finally symbolic interaction.
“Functionalism argues that a society is best understood as an ordered, stable, interconnected system of parts that helps meet the needs of the system.” This theory is the ideal type that everything has a place and an order to meet the mission. I like to think of the Air Force as this way. There are many jobs that don’t all deal with aviation, but they all do contribute to getting the mission accomplished.
Conflict theory mostly covers how power may cause contention. Whatever party that holds more resources is the dominant power hence the struggle and race to be more superior. Reading this in the chapter reminds me a lot of Game of Thrones as conflict theory seems to be one of the central themes between the leading factions of families in that show.
Symbolic Interaction deals with how each person deciphers what they do and how they take in interactions. It is based on the individuals perception of what goes on around them.
All of these theories are very in depth and they all narrate how contention may occur with social interactions. I mentioned earlier some examples and the narrative does make for good TV as we get to commentate on a different social setting and may draw parallels to our own society and our own person. It is very important that we recognize these and identify them for knowledge is power.
References:
Durkin, K. F., & Carrothers, R. M. (2015). Sociology: Beyond common sense [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu

DISCUSSION 2

CLASSMATE JORDY’S POST
The roles of culture have a significate impact on how groups are supposed to behave, for example, depending on where you grow up, what you were taught, and your beliefs will determine how you carry yourself in society. When you are raised in a culture with a structure like the nuclear family, rules with consequences, discipline, and strong family values, you might be considered a more acceptable to society or an ideal culture (Hougland & Christenson, 1982). When a group is more counterculture, they tend to not fit in or go against the social norms. They tend not to behave as normal society would want them to. They are more likely to commit crimes that are not culturally accepted, and the consequence of these actions could lead to confinement.
The status you hold within a culture can either be either ascribed, achieved, or have an overall master status, which is how society views a person. Achieved status is defined through hard work and dedication. One way you can explain the ascribed status is to inherit status through a wealthy family or being a groom to attend a prestigious college because your family graduated from there (Gerth & Mills, 1946). When a group takes advantage of this inherited status that they have been given, they will have more opportunities at a better position in society. When a group doesn’t have that same inherited status, rather they inherited a more poverty-stricken status, and a less have an unfortunate background, they intend not to excel to a higher status in society due to the stigma place upon them. (Goffman defines stigma as a deeply discrediting characteristic, widely viewed as an insurmountable obstacle that will prevent the stigmatized person from being seen as competent, moral, or trustworthy).
Reference:
Vissing, Y. (2011). Introduction to sociology. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc

CLASSMATE MANUEL’S POST
“The term culture refers to the traditions of a people. These traditions enact a way of life and convey it from one generation to the next.” (Durkin & Carrothers, 2015). The role of culture can shape our expectations on how people are to behave and is also involved in the consequences when a person does not meet those behavioral expectations.
Within the umbrella of culture, we have material and nonmaterial culture. Material cultures are physical objects, such as clothing fashion. There are certain fashions that are socially acceptable in different cultures of the world. Somebody who doesn’t conform to those instilled fashion norms could possibly face negative consequences. For example, in certain parts of the Middle East, women are to wear a specific type clothing, such as a hijab, when out in public or face consequences. Then there are nonmaterial cultures, which consist on non-tangible items such as values and norms.
“Values are abstract ideas about things that are right, correct, proper, and desirable.” (Durkin & Carrother, 2015). These values can differ greatly from culture to culture. In my personal experience, I have seen this differ from family to family. One family may value hard-work, education, and independence, but another family values empathy, humbleness, and togetherness.
Norms take values a step further and involve actions instead of just a way of thinking. We can look at these norms as what we should do in our lives to achieve those values. America has certain values and norms in place to warrant or prohibit certain actions, whether they be formal or informal. Examples would be, the golden rule (informal) and laws (formal). These values and norms in place form a social structure through the actions of citizens.
Americans can have an achieved status in which their position in society is reached by the actions, effort, skills and education. There are also ascribed statuses that people have no control over, like their race or their family’s social class. People within a certain status can form groups based on all their commonalities. For example, in my experience, members of the military often form a group due to their common lifestyles, experiences, and values.
Reference:
Durkin, K. F., & Carrothers, R. M. (2015). Sociology: Beyond common sense [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/