When we look at functionalism as a society we must also consider cultural norms, customs, traditions and our institutions, combining all of these in order to have a cohesive and stable system or society, basically our social structure which shapes our society as a whole. Each of us have expectations of how others should act as well as how we should act and react to certain behaviors, although understanding there will never be a perfect fit between behaviors and social norms. Social norms are always problematic and normally can not be agreed upon by all those in society, but should this prevent some kind of universal law or set of rules which all could live by harmoniously?
ocial Change
SIn the 1960s, functionalism was criticized for being unable to account for social change, or for structural contradictions and conflict thus was often called "consensus theory " . This was a social theory which is a system where the political and economic system is fair and social change should take place within the social institutions. Consensus theory contrasts sharply with "conflict theory", which holds that social change is only achieved through conflict. It should be pretty clear that the US is in constant conflict with social norms, values, rules and regulations and general widespread disagreement isn't going away anytime soon.
Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud, but many others believed the study of social statuses and the roles, groups, institutions and relationships were developed played a huge part in whether directly or indirectly a society would evolve past a primitive ideology. The relative status of various humans, some of whom had modern advanced technologies that included engines and telegraphs and still lived a Paleolithic lifestyle.
It's interesting when talking about consensus and conflict theories that we can show correlations with what would be considered a "civilized" culture and a "primitive" culture respectively as they relate to our society. Not only |
hunter-gatherer lifestyle, a subculture of people has emerged in modern societies who try to recreate elements of a paleolithic lifestyle. Their motivation is to enhance health, fitness and happiness by avoiding the common "diseases of civilization", such as obesity, some cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, increasingly prevalent allergies, some forms of depression, and chronic stress. These diseases are not yet evidenced among hunter-gatherers, and therefore they are attributed to the modern, "civilized" lifestyle. Moreover there are indications that a paleolithic lifestyle is likely to reduce stress and depression, and increase overall happiness and well-being, given that our minds and emotions too are adapted for a life as hunter-gatherers.
To have a structurally functioning society it needs to show evidence of moral and intellectual advancement with the humane, ethical, and reasonable attitudes towards others within the society. If we look at the world as a whole, we are still fighting a waging wars against each other like primitive man, showing little improvement in moral and humane judgement or intellectual advancement. Providing the optimum environment for all members should be the primary goal and it's stability should be evident, stable societies show a strong sense of duty to family their community and country.
While a small number of cultures in the world continue to live a paleolithic To have a structurally functioning society it needs to show evidence of moral and intellectual advancement with the humane, ethical, and reasonable attitudes towards others within the society. If we look at the world as a whole, we are still fighting a waging wars against each other like primitive man, showing little improvement in moral and humane judgement or intellectual advancement. Providing the optimum environment for all members should be the primary goal and it's stability should be evident, stable societies show a strong sense of duty to family their community and country.
Solidarity is unity, it produces universal interests, objectives, standards, and sympathies for all peoples and it refers to the ties in a society that bind all people together as one. The term is generally employed in sociology and the other social sciences as well as in philosophy and forms the bases for solidarity. In simple societies it may be mainly based around kinship and shared values, in more complex societies there are various theories as to what contributes to a sense of social solidarity. In it's simplest form social solidarity is referring to the interdependence of all of us. Social solidarity is maintained in complex societies through the interdependence from all it's parts (e.g., farmers produce the food to feed the factory workers who produce the tractors that allow the farmer to produce the food).''
In the broadest sense structural functionalism consist of activities intended not only to benefit mankind but society and the world as a whole. This would include, generosity, forgiveness, unlimited love, virtue, philanthropy, cooperation and universal solidarity. Morality entails distinction between good and evil, and between right and wrong which control our thoughts, our actions and moral judgements. These combined are the key components to a positive cultural system providing a meaningful and desirable place for all to inhabit. Our structural functionalism includes altruism and social solidarity which are inevitably related to moral culture.
The book Classical Sociological Theory above is available through Amazon, click on the image.
This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology from its undisciplined beginnings to its current influence on contemporary sociological debate.
In the broadest sense structural functionalism consist of activities intended not only to benefit mankind but society and the world as a whole. This would include, generosity, forgiveness, unlimited love, virtue, philanthropy, cooperation and universal solidarity. Morality entails distinction between good and evil, and between right and wrong which control our thoughts, our actions and moral judgements. These combined are the key components to a positive cultural system providing a meaningful and desirable place for all to inhabit. Our structural functionalism includes altruism and social solidarity which are inevitably related to moral culture.
The book Classical Sociological Theory above is available through Amazon, click on the image.
This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology from its undisciplined beginnings to its current influence on contemporary sociological debate.
- Explores influential works of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Simmel, Freud, Du Bois, Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton.
- Editorial introductions lend historical and intellectual perspective to the substantial readings.
- Includes a new section with new readings on the immediate "pre-history" of sociological theory, including the Enlightenment and de Tocqueville.
- Individual reading selections are updated throughout.
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