SOCF2614 UNIT 2 Flashcards
(25 cards)
Structural Functionalist Perspective General
Sees society as consisting of interrelated/interdependent parts.
Each part has a function.
Looks at how family is structured(what parts-functions)
Also views family as part of society-that fulfils certain function.
Structural Functionalist perspective Central Assumption.
All social systems function.
Structure of family influences functions.
Functions require structure.
Functional requisites.
All systems seek to maintain balance.
Structural Functionalist Perspective
Key Concepts:
Society: larger independent collection of people-interaction within socially
structured relationship.
Culture: way of life-norms, values and sanctions.
Institutions: stable set of social relationships-structure for behavior (e.g. family, economics, politics, education and religion).
Groups: set of individuals- relationship characterized by continuing pattern of interaction- structure of positions.
Positions/status/role: category of people within a system of social relationship.
Structural Functionalist Perspective: Question Asked
What function does a family fulfil?
What parts does the family consist of?
Structural Functionalist Perspective :Criticisms
Static view: unable to address issues of social change.
Ignores conflict that exist.
Views of Parsons and Bales: instrumental roles and expressive roles
Conflict Perspective : General
Examines the way groups struggle over scares resources.
Conflict is daily part of family life.
Conflict wider society-impact on family.
Conflict Perspective: Central Assumptions
Systems that regulates conflict.
Competitive structure.
Struggle over scares resources: social/economic/psychological resources.
Conflict not always negative.
Conflict Perspective: Key Concepts
Competition (zero sum1-1=0:if one wins the other necessarily looses).
Conflict: arise over a wide range of issues.
Power: ability to control others-stems from resources.
Dominance: dominant characters.
Conflict Perspective: Questions asked
What type of conflict exist?
Who has the power?
Abuse within families
Conflict Perspective: Criticisms
Overemphasises conflict, underplays order.
Overly negative view of humans and family life.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective : General
Everyday behaviour.
Meaning people give .
Interaction-symbolic communication.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective : Central Assumptions
Act meaning
Meaning- social interaction
Meaning modified
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Key Concepts
Self (Cooley): individual sense of identity and awareness.
Role taking - developing sense of role taking (role playing).
Generalise other: image of the structure/norms and values of a family and society.
Socialization: social acts of socialization-actions and reactions of recipients.
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Questions asked
Howdoyoudefine agood marriage?
What is a “good” husband/man? What is a “good” wife/woman?
Influence of socialization?
What impact do family, friends, peers have on your view of marriage/relationship?
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective: Criticisms
Poor relations to broader social processes
historical context.
Does not always account for macro-influences
focus is on individual behavior.
Social Exchange: General
The social interaction between two individuals is based on efforts of each to maximise rewards and to minimise the costs.
Enter/remain in relationship.
Marriage\Divorce
Social Exchange Theory: Central Assumptions
Social behaviour is a series of exchanges.
Bring certain resources into relationships such as beauty, money,
etc.
Individuals attempt to minimise costs and maximise rewards.
Accept certain costs in exchange for rewards.
Obliged to reciprocate
Social Exchange Theory: Key Concepts
Rewards: money, satisfaction,
social esteem, etc.
Costs: financial and emotional
stress.
Reciprocity
Social Exchange Theory: Questions asked
Why marry?
Why have children?
What resources do each party
have?
Social Exchange Theory: Criticisms
Complex view: costs and rewards.
Irrational aspects
Ubuntu –African Philosophy
Emotional Support
Spiritual Support
Communitarian/social
support
Financial support
Ubuntu – African Philosophy (Emotional Domain)
Emotional well-being provides individuals with a sense of
interdependence, whereas emotional instability promotes a
sense of alienation among families and communities.
Ubuntu: Communitarian/social domain
The concept umtu ngumuntu ngabantu - I am because we are -
indicates the significance and understanding of social
connectedness.
Ubuntu: Spiritual Domain
African personhood - the core trait of Ubuntu - recognizes the spiritual connection between the soul, spirit, and body.
It also acknowledges the relationship between the dead
and the living.
