Why do people conform? Explanations(theories of conformity) There are two type of social influence. One of it is normative social influence, it is based on our desire to be liked. We conform because we want to be appear ‘normal’ and we think that others will approve of and accept us. Going against the majority might lead to exclusion or rejection from the group.
This is supported by Paul Kurtz who states humans have the right “to satisfy their tastes” but however they shold not “impose their values on others.” For example you may want to murder someone with your free will however if you go ahead and commit the crime you are negatively effecting others in society and this is wrong. John Stuart Mill
Structural functionalism is a theory that is used to describe a society that functions on a few key assumptions. First, society is constructed by interdependent system of parts. Second, no part can be understood individually, that is to say that the system as a whole cannot be understood if one part is missing. Third, social order between individuals and organizations of society has to share norms and values in order for society to function properly. Fourth, social change does not occur rapidly, instead it is a regulated process which ensures that citizens and organizations adapt to social change properly.
The cultural aspect of the sociological imagination involves the “learned ideas, values, knowledge, rules and customs shared by members of a collectivity” (Holmes et al, 2003, pg 11). Culture in the sociological imagination allows the comprehension of why people hold certain ideas and values, and follows certain rules and customs. The critical aspect of the sociological imagination stipulates the initiative to analyze. Although it is, by human nature, to assume the meaning of actions carried out by people, C. Wright Mills claims that assumptions are not enough. Through assumptions, many things are taken for granted and the true meaning is not revealed.
Slavery allows one man to imprison another man that is his equal, to a life he doesn’t choose. To eliminate another simply because they don’t image you or enslave a man should never be just in anyone’s eyes. I strongly stand against this type of act. If anyone disagrees than I should feel free to murder them, right? Wrong!
Words like “distinct” help us understand what Mill is trying to get at. He is opposed to customs because he believes that if a person practices customs, they will not develop their own unique personality. He also uses words like “educate or develop” to show that he values the individuals education, development, and their distinct qualities. I agree with Mill’s position on the need for individual development and education, because it is important for us to make our own decisions to develop according to our own needs and not be dependent or reliant on other people. Mill wants us to make our own choices.
It can also help predict the expected future statistics, if things continue the way they are. It is important to look at all aspects of the study, in order to come to a viable conclusion that can be used in the future (Alleydog.com, 2010). Understanding the findings of a study does not determine the validity of the study unless all variables have been considered and understood. In establishing a relationship between single parenthood and social class, it is imperative to look at the behavior of the people affected by the situation. The dependent variable of this study would be the impact of single parenthood on social class (whether there is one at all).
4. Discuss the similarities and differences between conflict/Marxist theories and functionalist theories in sociology. Marxism was founded by Karl Marx. Marx saw society as divided into two major parts, the economic base otherwise known as the infrastructure and the super-structure. Functionalists see society as a set of parts which work together to form a whole.
Not only it has impacts on the market, but more importantly it will affect the labourers, which are the foundations of the capitalist market. According to Karl Marx, in a capitalist market, different classes existed. They were the working class, the Proletariats, and the upper class, the
According to functionalists, order and predictability is important if a society is to exist. To ensure the society functions accordingly, people have to follow the norms and share common values or value consensus. Functionalists believe that value consensus can constrain and shape humans’ behaviour because people are said to be passive and they conform to sanctions whereby rewards will be given for practicing good behaviour (positive sanction) and punishments await those who commit deviant behaviour (negative sanction). Emile Durkheim argues that society is bigger than individuals and more vast . Individuals learn to desire what the society provides and in doing so, they internalise the roles given to them.