SOCI LEC 9 PDF - Social Sciences Lecture Notes

Influence of Philosophy Main influences Philosophers [Social Contract Theory] a. Hobbes (1588-1679), b. Locke (1632-1704 c. Rousseau (1712-1778) Auguste Comte (1798-1857)-Evolutionary theory, Law of Three Stages (Theological, metaphysical and scientific/Enlightenment) Herbert Spencer (1820-19...

Influence of Philosophy Main influences Philosophers [Social Contract Theory] a. Hobbes (1588-1679), b. Locke (1632-1704 c. Rousseau (1712-1778) Auguste Comte (1798-1857)-Evolutionary theory, Law of Three Stages (Theological, metaphysical and scientific/Enlightenment) Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)-evolutionary theory of society- from incoherent homogeneity to coherent heterogeneity (division of labour) Functionalism Main Principles Positivism- the use of natural science methods and principles Society comprises different institutions, i.e. organic analogy (macro perspective) Institutions are functional for individuals and social integration/overall ‘societal health’ Social change is short term (equilibrium is soon restored) Major contributors Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) Robert K. Merton (1910-2003) Emile Durkheim Structure of society influences the individuals Why do we take the medications that we do? Collective conscience – the commons beliefs, norms and values of a group, community, or society. Social solidarity occurs in society through socialization; the development of the collective conscience. Provides a moral compass to individuals (moral regulation). Anomie - normlessness where a person doesn’t know what it means to be normal within society. The Division of Labour in Society According to Durkheim, the division of labour in modern society creates interdependence amongst all, generating a new form of social morality and solidarity. Two types of solidarity produced through the division of labour: Mechanical solidarity – solidarity produced when everyone is generally similar in society (activities and responsibilities). Organic solidarity – produced through the different roles and functions that everyone has in a society; creates flows of interdependence. Persons are specialized in different narrow areas; the need of these specialized areas holds the society together. Talcott Parsons Social Evolution Pattern Variables A Pattern Variables B Ascription – when role and status is Achievement – merit based on based on kinship or relationship performance Diffuseness – general types of relations Specificity – specialized interactions and interactions Particularism – rules and standards Univeralism – Universal rules or specific situations or varied types of standards for all relationships Affectivity – reliance on emotions, Effective- neutrality – foregoing personal gratification in decision - making immediate gratification Collective- orientation- action geared Self orientation – action geared towards toward the benefir of the group the benefit of the individual Parsons – Functional Prerequisiits Parsons believed that social systems have four needs which must be met for continued survival: The Four Basic needs of society Goal Attainment (Political Function): Parsons believed that a society is only possible when there are common standards: the society must have a collective goal, and acceptable means for achieving it. Adaption (Economic Function) – Every society has to provide for the needs of its members in order for the society to survive (food availability; economic instability; etc). Integration (Social Harmony) – Specialist institutions develop to reduce conflict in society. For example, education and media create a sense of belonging. Latency: The unstated consequences of actions – there are 2 types of latency: Pattern Maintenance: Maintaining value consensus through socialization Tension Management: Opportunities to release tension in a safe way. Robert K. Merton Critiqued Parsons Functional indispensability – social systems were not absolute and standard. For example, the role of varying family forms for the same function. Difficulty to test grand theories - he proposed middle range theories as alternatives to grand theories; focused on specific phenomena, rather than the entire society. Modified the concept of function: Manifest function Latent function General Criticism Conservation-focuses more on stability than on social change Dysfunctionality-the negative events in families, religions and school systems and governments etc. Teleological-belief that every institution has a specific purpose. Tautological-failure to study individual institutions and focusing on their functions; not on their causes.