Sociology 222: Sociological Perspectives on Social Institutions

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Questions and Answers

What is a theory in the context of sociology?

A social institution that shapes our behavior

A set of assumptions about an area of study

A general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and how they work (correct)

A living organism used to understand society

What is a theoretical perspective?

A general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and how they work

A social institution that shapes our behavior

A set of assumptions about an area of study (correct)

A biological analogy of social institutions

What is the primary goal of institutions according to conflict theory?

To promote social harmony and unity

To create social disorder and chaos

To empower the ruling class

To meet the basic needs of society (correct)

What is the functionalist perspective based on?

A biological analogy of social institutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the political institution according to conflict theory?

A vehicle for the rich and powerful to dominate others Signup and view all the answers

What is the analogy that functionalists use to understand society?

A living organism Signup and view all the answers

How does conflict theory view the role of religion in society?

As a tool used to exploit the poor Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the parts of society in the functionalist perspective?

They are interdependent and work together for the benefit of the whole Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the family and society according to conflict theory?

The family is a site of male dominance over females Signup and view all the answers

What are social institutions in the context of the functionalist perspective?

Aspects of our human thought and behavior in society Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of institutions according to conflict theorists?

To benefit the ruling class and maintain social order Signup and view all the answers

How do social institutions develop and change according to the functionalist perspective?

Through social interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of conflict theorists when analyzing social institutions?

How institutions lead to social disorder and conflict Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a social institution according to the functionalist perspective?

Education Signup and view all the answers

What do social institutions provide for individuals?

Clear guidance and procedure Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the session on sociological perspectives on social institutions?

The sociological theories or perspectives on social institutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of social institutions according to Functionalists?

To perform vital functions for society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following perspectives is concerned with the ways in which social institutions perform roles that help in the perpetuation of society?

Functional perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the family and marriage institution according to Functionalists?

To ensure procreation and socialization Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the economic institution according to Functionalists?

To produce and distribute scarce goods and services Signup and view all the answers

According to the session outline, how many topics are to be covered in the session?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What is the author of the book 'Sociology: A Brief Introduction' mentioned in the reading list?

R. Schaefer and R. Lamm Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of education according to Functionalists?

To transmit culture, social integration, and socialization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of sociological perspectives on social institutions?

To enhance understanding of the social institutions Signup and view all the answers

How do social institutions serve as a source of social control?

By legitimizing and regulating statuses and roles Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the lecturer for the session on sociological perspectives on social institutions?

Dr. Rosemond Akpene Hiadzi Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of social institutions according to Functionalists?

Law and order Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of religion according to Functionalists?

To ensure social integration and social solidarity Signup and view all the answers

What level of sociology does symbolic interactionism focus on?

microsociology Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals negotiate interactions according to symbolic interactionism?

Through shared symbols, gestures, and nonverbal communications Signup and view all the answers

What is a focus of symbolic interactionism in the economic institution?

Informal interactions within the work environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of human nature according to symbolic interactionism?

Humans are social animals Signup and view all the answers

What is a central question asked by symbolic interactionists?

How do individuals experience one another? Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of symbols and gestures in symbolic interactionism?

They are used to convey specific meanings in particular social contexts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Session Overview

This session covers sociological perspectives on social institutions, which are essential for understanding sociology.
It examines how social institutions perform roles that help in the perpetuation of society (functionalist view).
It also describes how social institutions can lead to conflict (conflict view) and perform roles through interactions between individuals and small groups using symbols, gestures, and the like (symbolic interactionism).

Session Outline

Topic one: The functionalist perspective
Topic two: The conflict perspective
Topic three: The symbolic interactionist perspective

Reading List

Schaefer, R, & Lamm, R. (1997). Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill Companies
Turner, J. (2006). Sociology. Pearson Prentice Hall

The Sociological Perspectives

A theory is a general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and how they work.
A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about an area of study.
These perspectives offer sociologists theoretical paradigms for explaining how society influences people and vice versa.

The Functionalist Perspective

Biological analogy of social institutions: society is viewed as a complex system of parts that interact to perform various necessary functions.
Each part of society works together for the benefit of the whole, much like the human body as a system.
Social institutions are not objects that can be observed but are aspects of human thought and behavior in society.
Social institutions develop and are reinforced or even changed as we interact daily through social interaction.

They bring about order by providing clear guidance and procedure for individuals to pursue their needs.
They serve as sources of social control by legitimizing and regulating statuses and roles in society.
They serve as a source of social identity providing collective ways of acting and thinking.
They specify the relationships between individuals and groups.
They determine the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups.

Illustrations of Functionalism

The political institution exists for the maintenance of law and order in society.
The family and marriage institution ensures procreation, socialization, etc.
The Economic institution is responsible for the production and equitable distribution of scarce goods and services.
The role of education is transmission of culture, social integration, socialization, etc.

The Conflict Perspective

Conflict theory agrees that institutions are originally designed to meet the basic needs of society.
However, they do not see them as working harmoniously for the common good of society.
They see the functions of the institutions leading to domination, exploitation, and disorder.
Conflict theorists argue that the functions of the institutions are not always beneficial but can lead to conflict and disorders.

Illustrations of Conflict Perspective

The political institution is a vehicle through which the rich and powerful dominate others in society.
The family institution is where male dominance of females is expressed.
For conflict theory, religion is a tool used to exploit the poor.
According to Karl Marx, religion is the “opium of the masses” i.e., it is a tool used by the ruling class to make the workers accept their low status or social positions.

The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

Microsociology: studies society through interactions within individual and small groups.
Interaction between individuals is negotiated through shared symbols, gestures, and nonverbal communications.
Humans are social animals and require interaction.
Asks the questions “How do individuals experience one another?” “How do they interpret the meaning of these interactions?” and “How do people construct a sense of self and the society as a whole?”

Illustrations of Symbolic Interactionism

Within the economic institution, workers engage in informal interactions within the work environment.
A husband and wife negotiate if and how many children to have, what tasks to perform in the home, etc. through verbal and non-verbal interactions.
In religion, every religion has its own symbols and gestures that their practitioners identify with and which distinguishes one group from the other.
Other means of interacting include smiles, frowns, greetings, etc. and these have specific meanings based on the particular social context.

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Description

This session explores the sociological theories and perspectives on social institutions, covering the key concepts and ideas in the field of sociology.