Essay Sociology - 676 Words

Identify the four major sociological theoretical paradigms. For each, what are the key tenets? How does each explain how society works? Functionalist Perspectives† also known as Structural-Functional Paradigm†- â€Å"The sociological approach that views society as a stable, orderly system. According to this perspective, a society is composed of interrelated parts, each of which serves a function and (ideally) contributes to the overall stability of the society. Societies develop social structures, or institutions that persist because they play a part in helping society survive. These institutions include the family, education, government, religion, and the economy. If anything adverse happens to one of these institutions or parts, all†¦show more content†¦A symbol is anything that meaningfully represents something else (Kendall, 01/2014, p. 28). Post Modernism Perspective’s- According to postmodern perspectives, existing theories have been unsuccessful in explaining social life in contemporary societies that are characterized by post industrialization, consumerism, and global communications (Kendall, 01/2014, p. 29).†Postmodern theories are based on the assumption that the rapid social change that occurs as societies move from modern to postmodern (or postindustrial) conditions has a harmful effect on people. One evident change is the significant decline in the influence of social institutions such as the family, religion, and education on people’s lives. Those who live in postmodern societies typically pursue individual freedom and do not want the structural constraints that are imposed by social institutions (Kendall, 01/2014, p. 29). Postmodern (or â€Å"postindustrial†) societies are characterized by an information explosion and an economy in which large numbers of people either provide or appl y information, or they are employed in professional occupations (such as lawyers and physicians) or service jobs (such as fast-food servers and health care workers). (Kendall, 01/2014, pp. 29-30) Which paradigm do you relate to best? How can you use this particular paradigm to explain your decision toShow MoreRelatedSociology Essay20437 Words   |  82 PagesAS Sociology Sociology Nik Jorgensen Text  © Nelson Thornes Distance Learning 2010 Illustrations  © Nelson Thornes Distance Learning 2010 All rights reserved. The copyright holders authorise ONLY users of NTDL AS Sociology to make photocopies for their own or their students’ immediate use within the teaching context. 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Sydney: Allen Unwin.Read MoreReflective Sociology Essay2218 Words   |  9 Pagesï » ¿ The last six weeks have challenged my preconceived ideas about sociology and the role that it plays in society in the popular and social media, my values, behaviours and belief system. What I hope to highlight throughout this reflective essay is what I have learnt and how that has shaped my new thought process and reinforced old thought patterns. Week one I learnt about the Sociological imagination where to quote C Wright â€Å"The sociological imagination enables us to grasp the connection betweenRead More Sociology and Globalisation Essay2142 Words   |  9 Pages Globalization has been recognized as a new age in which the world has developed into what Giddens identifies to be a â€Å"single social system† (Anthony Giddens: 1993 ‘Sociology’ pg 528), due to the rise of interdependence of various countries on one another, therefore affecting practically everyone within society. 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