Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to conflict theory, society is marked by ______ struggles over scarce resources, leading to inequities and inevitable social change.
According to conflict theory, society is marked by ______ struggles over scarce resources, leading to inequities and inevitable social change.
power
Symbolic interactionism suggests that social order is constructed through interaction as individuals create ______ meaning and interpret their social world.
Symbolic interactionism suggests that social order is constructed through interaction as individuals create ______ meaning and interpret their social world.
shared
According to structural functionalism, the natural state of society is one of ______ and harmony, where all parts are interrelated.
According to structural functionalism, the natural state of society is one of ______ and harmony, where all parts are interrelated.
balance
The concept of ______ in conflict theory suggests that society's institutions are controlled by groups with authority, perpetuating an illusion of order.
The concept of ______ in conflict theory suggests that society's institutions are controlled by groups with authority, perpetuating an illusion of order.
According to symbolic interactionism, humans are constantly changing as their 'social beings' emerge and are molded by changing ______.
According to symbolic interactionism, humans are constantly changing as their 'social beings' emerge and are molded by changing ______.
In structural functionalism, rapid social change can lead to ______, disrupting the balance and harmony of society.
In structural functionalism, rapid social change can lead to ______, disrupting the balance and harmony of society.
Conflict theory critiques society by highlighting the ______ of groups of people over other groups, leading to oppression and exploitation.
Conflict theory critiques society by highlighting the ______ of groups of people over other groups, leading to oppression and exploitation.
Symbolic interactionism focuses on reducing the impact of ______ and associated stigmatization by altering definitions of what is considered a social problem.
Symbolic interactionism focuses on reducing the impact of ______ and associated stigmatization by altering definitions of what is considered a social problem.
According to structural functionalism, individuals are socialized by society's ______, with socialization serving as a mechanism of social control.
According to structural functionalism, individuals are socialized by society's ______, with socialization serving as a mechanism of social control.
Conflict theory suggests minimizing ______ is necessary to create an equitable system for the distribution of resources.
Conflict theory suggests minimizing ______ is necessary to create an equitable system for the distribution of resources.
According to the lecture, the period known as the '______ for Africa' (1885-1914) accompanied by colonization lasted less than century
According to the lecture, the period known as the '______ for Africa' (1885-1914) accompanied by colonization lasted less than century
Attachment and commitment to a country, nation, or political community is known as feeling of ______
Attachment and commitment to a country, nation, or political community is known as feeling of ______
According to the lecture, lack of ______ is considered as a impediment for the development.
According to the lecture, lack of ______ is considered as a impediment for the development.
Based on lecture material, there are two different main questions regarding 'Hobbesian picture of a pre-European Africa', one of them mentions, no account of ______, no society.
Based on lecture material, there are two different main questions regarding 'Hobbesian picture of a pre-European Africa', one of them mentions, no account of ______, no society.
The peoples of Africa probably speak more ______ than those of any other continent.
The peoples of Africa probably speak more ______ than those of any other continent.
According to the lecture African culture has resisted and threatened project that fails to come to terms with it, even as it is acted upon and ______.
According to the lecture African culture has resisted and threatened project that fails to come to terms with it, even as it is acted upon and ______.
According to the provided text, 'nationalism' and 'patriotism' are often taken to be ______
According to the provided text, 'nationalism' and 'patriotism' are often taken to be ______
According to Claude Ake, three decades of preoccupation in Africa have yielded ______ returns.
According to Claude Ake, three decades of preoccupation in Africa have yielded ______ returns.
The Rousseauian picture introduces “an African ______ age of perfect liberty, equality and fraternity”.
The Rousseauian picture introduces “an African ______ age of perfect liberty, equality and fraternity”.
According to the provided text, for most Africans, real incomes are lower than they were two decades ago, health ______ are poorer
According to the provided text, for most Africans, real incomes are lower than they were two decades ago, health ______ are poorer
Flashcards
Structural Functionalism
Structural Functionalism
A sociological perspective that sees society as a set of interrelated parts working harmoniously, naturally seeking balance and order.
Conflict Theory
Conflict Theory
A sociological perspective asserting that society is shaped by power struggles over resources, leading to inequality and inevitable social change.
Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic Interactionism
A sociological viewpoint centered on the idea that society emerges from individuals' interactions and shared meanings.
Cause of Social Problems (Conflict Theory)
Cause of Social Problems (Conflict Theory)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cause of Social Problems (Symbolic Interactionism)
Cause of Social Problems (Symbolic Interactionism)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Patriotism
Patriotism
Signup and view all the flashcards
The Colonial Legacy
The Colonial Legacy
Signup and view all the flashcards
Greatest Impediment to Development
Greatest Impediment to Development
Signup and view all the flashcards
Criticism of Functionalism
Criticism of Functionalism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- GPD231D: Social Problems course is about people, politics, patriotism & the problem.
- Ayine Akolgo is the instructor for the course.
Comparison of Theoretical Perspectives
- Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism are different ways to analyze society.
Structural Functionalism
- Representative theorists include Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton.
- Society is an interrelated set of parts with cultural consensus leading to social order.
- The natural state of society is balance and harmony.
- Individuals are socialized by institutions, exerting social control because people need society and its institutions.
- Social problems arise from rapid social change disrupting harmony or inadequate socialization.
- Solutions involve repairing institutions, ensuring socialization, and cultivating a collective sense of right and wrong.
- Criticisms include supporting the status quo, neglecting power and conflict, and incorrectly assuming consensus.
Conflict Theory
- Karl Marx and Ralf Dahrendorf are representative theorists.
- Society is marked by power struggles over resources, leading to inequities and conflict.
- Social change is inevitable as a result of imbalance.
- People are inherently good but corrupted by society and its economic structure, institutions, and power structures.
- Social problems stem from inequality and the dominance of groups over others, leading to oppression, exploitation, and competition.
- Solutions include minimizing competition and creating an equitable distribution system.
- Criticisms are that Marxist states have failed, it denies cooperation and cohesion, and cannot explain societal harmony.
Symbolic Interactionism
- George H. Mead, Charles Cooley, and Erving Goffman are representative theorists.
- Society is a network of interlocking roles where social order is constructed through interaction.
- Social order happens when individuals create shared meaning to make sense of their social world.
- Humans are interpretive and interactive, constantly changing as "social beings."
- They emerge and are molded by circumstances.
- Social problems arise from different interpretations of roles, labeling of individuals or behaviors, and the definition of objective conditions.
- Solutions focus on reducing labeling and stigma, and altering definitions of what constitutes a social problem.
- Criticisms include concentrating on micro issues, failing to link them to macro concerns, being too psychological, and assuming label amplification.
Quote by Ayine Akolgo (2023)
- Society is full of problems, but also full of people who can solve them.
- The social problem is that those who create the problems will not allow those who can solve them.
Introduction to African Social Problems
- The scramble for Africa (1885-1914) represents a brief but important moment in African history.
- This period of colonization had a lasting impact and remains controversial.
- It signified new discourses on African traditions and cultures.
- Two main questions arise:
- Did colonization solve a "Hobbesian picture" of a pre-European Africa of violent death and lack of progress?
- Or, did it destroy a "Rousseauian picture" of an African golden age of liberty, equality, and fraternity?
The African People and Culture
- Africa is the 2nd largest continent.
- African peoples speak many languages.
- African culture has resisted and been changed by projects that failed to appreciate it.
- This resistance led to calls for the modernization of attitudes and culture by abolishing traditional culture.
- Many disdained traditional culture instead of adapting to it.
- Preoccupation with development in Africa has yielded poor results over three decades.
- African economies have been stagnating or regressing.
- Real incomes have fallen, health prospects are diminished, malnourishment is widespread.
- Infrastructure and social institutions are breaking down (Claude Ake, 1996).
African Politics and Patriotism
- The course explores whether African politics encourages patriotism.
- Patriotism is the quality of being patriotic, with devotion and vigorous support for one's country.
- It involves attachment and commitment to a country, nation, or political community.
- Patriotism and nationalism are often synonymous.
- Patriotism predates nationalism by about 2,000 years.
- Patriotism brings people together, builds a strong nation, and creates a spirit of fortitude and strength.
- Every act of patriotism is considered important.
Africa's Problems: Failures of Development
- Colonial legacy
- Social pluralism and its centrifugal tendencies
- Corruption
- Poor labor discipline
- Lack of entrepreneurial skills
- Poor planning and incompetent management
- Inappropriate policies
- Stifling of market mechanisms
- Low levels of technical assistance
- Limited inflow of foreign capital
- Failing commodity prices and unfavorable terms of trade
- Low levels of saving and investment
Politics and African Development
- Political conditions in Africa are the greatest impediment to development
- Development was never on the agenda in the first place (Claude Ake, 1996).
Group Work Topics
- Alcohol and other Drugs
- Mental Health
- Crime, Social Control and Criminal Justice
- The Family, Marriage, and Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Aging and Ageism
- Disability
- Schools and Education
- Population Growth and Urbanization
- Employment and Entrepreneurship Issues
- The Environment, Pollution and Sanitation
- Illegal Mining
- Science and Technology
- Social Media
- Conflicts and Wars
- Terrorism
- Rural-Urban Migration
- Bribery and Corruption
- Multi-Party Democracy
- Chieftaincy and Traditional Rule
- Religion and Religious Extremism
Group Work Presentation Guidelines
- Define the problem, including its sociological foundations/basis
- Identify data that support the problem
- Galvanize stakeholder support for the problem
- Determine what can be done about the problem and who should do it, including proposed practical solutions
- Define indicators to show the problem is solved
- Include references
- Presentations allocated 15 minutes per group
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
