Questions
Assessment 3: Short Essays
INSTRUCTIONS: Each question requires you to synthesize, relate and apply various concepts. To demonstrate your mastery of the material, use definitions, examples and explanations freely. While outside resources are NOT required, be sure to cite any content that is not your own.
1. It is a common refrain that the decline of the “ideal” nuclear family consisting of a mother, father and their biological children will lead to the decline of our culture. Analyze this sentiment from the functionalist and conflict perspectives.
2. Using definitions, concepts and examples, explain why it might be important for sociologists to study religion. How might conflict theorists, functionalists and symbolic interactionists approach the study of religion? Give examples.
3. Discuss the role of schools in current day society. Using sociological concepts and examples, take a position as to whether schools create or equalize inequality. Explain which sociological perspective is best used to frame your argument.
Solutions
Question One
A family is a fundamental social unit in every community. Most sociologists assert that there is a close relationship between marriage and family, given that the union creates families. Communities have different views on families; hence, they formulate rules that suit their understanding of such units in relation to the cultural beliefs (Openstax 307). There are several types of families in the world, which include the nuclear, extended, joint, blended, and single families among others. More emphasis is given to nuclear family being the most common in the world compared to other types of families.
Despite the existence of variations in the modern family structure, functionalists still assert that a nuclear family is a fundamental social institution in the world. A well balanced structure ensures role sharing on gender basis. Consequently, if one of the members gives up their role, the family loses its balance, and should recalibrate for it to function well (Openstax 311). Think of a situation where a father opts to carry out domestic roles, the mother will be forced to provide for the family by securing a well-paying job to maintain the balance.
Conflict theory points out that in United States family are private entities; therefore, family issues should be solved among the members. The theory outlines the aspect of power in a family, and ensures that the government doesn’t interfere with family matters. Traditionally, a nuclear family was believed to be made of father, mother, and children (Green, Bryan and Edward 72). In addition, it was perceived that in their development process, the units evolved over time. Today, there is dynamism in the concept of family existence due to practices, such as singlehood, cohabitation, and homosexuality, affecting marriage ideas. Such practices have an impact on households resulting to an overall decline of family role in the cultural background.
Question Two
Religion refers to beliefs, and practices that describe what people regard as spiritual or sacred. Despite being individualistic, religion has been considered a social institution. According to social scientists analysis, religion is an organized mutual set of behavior, beliefs, and norms, based on social values (Openstax 334). In addition, religion is universal across cultures. In every culture, for instance, wedding ceremonies are celebrated in a specific way though they may vary with religious affiliations or customs. Such similarities and differences in religion, have provided essential material required for sociological study.
Religion is an important discipline to sociologists since it enables them to draw a distinction between beliefs, rituals, and experiences in religious context. In their studies, sociologists apply three main theoretical perspectives which include; conflict, functionalism, and symbolic interactions, in order to understand religion. Functionalists argue that religion play various roles in the society, such as offering emotional support, providing spiritual answers, and creating social interaction opportunities. Conflict theorists also argued that in their religious perspectives, the theory supports the idea of divine right of cruel monarchs and justifies special social structures, such as caste system in India. The scholars outline that religious leaders dictate beliefs, rituals, and practices on the basis of holy texts or divine intervention. Symbolic interactionalism approach has played a significant role in religion (Openstax 338). It seeks to explain signs and everyday interactions among individuals, such as the manner in which religious values are expressed in social contact, and the relationship between practitioners and religious leaders. Therefore, the internationalists’ interest is focused on the message reflected by religious symbols.
Question Three
The term school refers to a learning institution designed to offer learning environments and spaces for learners under the guidance of teachers. School education plays an important role to an individual, and the society as a whole. Modern education systems are evolving with the changes in technology. The emergence of new technologies, such as social networks, have enhanced students’ experience and exposure to the modern world. For instance, the technology enables students find job opportunities after completing their studies (Openstax 354). Schools have also provided opportunities for students to learn about social, and political diversities in their environments. According to functionalists, schools are currently replacing families’ role in the society, this is due to modern society depends on teachers to teach learners about sexuality and essential skills such as job applications and budgeting. Such topics were traditionally addressed by the family. Conflict theorists looks at education in a different perspective which argues that education promotes social inequalities. Such inequalities are caused by gender differences, race, class, and ethnicity among others.
Subsequently, feminist theory seeks to understand the root cause of gender difference in education. The theory states that schools are characterized by disparities especially to women. Some studies have revealed more than two-thirds of world illiterates are women. Basing my argument on functionalists’ theorists, schools equalize inequality on individuals and society as a whole. In modern schooling systems, students of all ethnicities and races are allowed in schools, therefore racism and other forms of discrimination are forgotten and inequality gaps have been filled (Openstax 356). Public schools, for instance, are universal since they admit students irrespective of their religion, race or social class. Consequently, modern schools systems encourage social development and prepare students for future laws.
Works Cited
Green, Bryan S. R, and Edward A. Johns. An Introduction to Sociology. Kent: Elsevier Science, 2014.
Openstax. Introduction to Sociology 2e.Rice University.2017 https://we.tl/t-maAaCQqznc
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