Sociological Perspectives Unit 7 P1

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In this assignment I will be explaining the different sociological perspectives and show examples to show my understanding. Functionalism This is the approach that sees institutions in society working in harmony together with clear and specific contributions which allows society to run adequately. Functionalism works like the human body. The different organs and tissues working together to do one job and that is to keep the body healthy and moving. The different mechanisms in the body that deal with diseases, is just like the methods in social control to deal with deviants groups in society. An example of functionalism would a family as they contribute to society and keep society stable. The family had four functions: * The sexual function allowed for the expression of sexuality in an approved context through marriage which would be sacred. * The reproductive function meant they provided stability for the rearing of children. * Socialisation which included the responsibility of teaching children what was the acceptable way to behave in society. * And the economic function which meant that food, shelter and financial security had to be provided for family members through working and this would be by working for the bourgeoisies. Also the government provides education for the children of the family, which in turn pays taxes on which the state depends to keep itself running. That is, the family is dependent upon the school to help children grow up to have good jobs so that they can raise and support their own families. In the process, the children become law-abiding, taxpaying citizens, who in turn support the state. If functionalism is not occurring adequately such as if there is financial recession ,high rates of unemployment and inflations occur which causes actions to be taken to restore it e.g. cuts will made in schools such as after school
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