Durkheim Maintained That Social Institutions Have Obligation
Durkheim Maintained That Social Institutions Have An Obligation To Era
Durkheim maintained that social institutions have an obligation to eradicate manifest dysfunctions. In his sociological framework, manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of social structures that contribute to social stability and order. However, associated with these are manifest dysfunctions, which are the disruptions or negative effects that arise from social institutions, often interfering with the smooth functioning of society. Durkheim emphasized that institutions have a moral and social responsibility to identify and address these manifest dysfunctions to maintain societal cohesion and stability. By actively working to eliminate these dysfunctions, social institutions uphold social order and ensure the collective well-being (Durkheim, 1897).
The sociologist most notably associated with the concept of strain is Robert Merton. Merton's strain theory posits that societal structures exert pressure on individuals to achieve culturally approved goals, but when legitimate means are blocked, individuals may experience strain, leading them to engage in deviant or criminal behaviors. This theory significantly influences our understanding of how social circumstances impact individuals’ life chances, especially in relation to economic and social inequalities (Merton, 1938).
A key aspect of analyzing social problems involves understanding their social and structural components rather than attributing them solely to individual shortcomings. A social problem is not simply a personal issue; it challenges those in power, violates societal values, and can be addressed through systemic change. For instance, social problems such as poverty, discrimination, or pollution, are recognized as systemic issues that require societal-level interventions rather than solely individual solutions (Gordon, 1973). Importantly, social problems often fall outside individual control, underscoring their systemic nature.
Supply-side economics, also known as trickle-down economics, advocates for providing tax breaks to corporations and wealthy individuals. The theory suggests that by reducing taxes on businesses and the affluent, economic growth will be stimulated, leading to job creation and increased investments that eventually benefit all layers of society through a "trickle-down" effect (Laffer, 2004). Critics argue, however, that this approach primarily benefits the wealthy and exacerbates income inequality, with limited evidence supporting its effectiveness in improving overall economic conditions.
Marx promoted the economic system as society’s most influential institution, emphasizing the central role of the economy in shaping class relations, social structures, and power dynamics (Marx, 1867). Marx argued that the modes of production—the means and relations of economic production—are foundational to societal organization. The economic base determines the superstructure, including politics, law, and social consciousness, making it the primary driver of historical and social development.
Currently, sociologists Ruth Milkman and James Wright are actively involved in efforts to relocate homeless populations from urban centers to areas near public transportation and social services. Their work aims to improve accessibility to housing and services, as well as to address the social and economic factors contributing to homelessness. This strategy is part of a broader effort to improve living conditions and integrate marginalized populations into supportive community networks (Milkman, 2017; Wright, 2015).
The five key social institutions that impact society are the family, religion, education, government, and the economy. These institutions are fundamental in shaping social norms, providing social order, and fostering social integration. They influence individual behavior and societal stability, serving as the core frameworks within which social life is organized and regulated (Parsons, 1951).
In the scientific study of social problems, the step concerning how sociologists will collect data is known as methodology. This involves selecting appropriate research methods, such as surveys, interviews, or observational studies, to gather evidence that can be analyzed to better understand social issues and test hypotheses. A rigorous methodology ensures the validity, reliability, and ethical integrity of the research process (Bryman, 2012).
The sociological perspective that believes poverty can have positive effects for the economy and class hierarchy is the functionalist perspective. Functionalists argue that social stratification, including poverty, serves certain functions in society by motivating individuals to work hard, fostering competition, and maintaining social order. Poverty and inequality are seen as integral parts of the social system that, under certain conditions, contribute to overall societal stability (Dahrendorf, 1959).
Reinvestment measures described by supply-side economics have often been debated for their effectiveness. While proponents assert that tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy spurred economic growth and improved working conditions, empirical evidence remains mixed. Some studies suggest that such policies primarily benefit the wealthy without necessarily leading to significant improvements in working conditions or broader economic health (Krugman, 2007). Therefore, it is inaccurate to state that these measures have universally proven effective in strengthening America's working conditions without qualification.
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Emile Durkheim, a foundational sociologist, articulated that social institutions bear the moral obligation to address and eliminate manifest dysfunctions. Manifest dysfunctions refer to observable disruptions caused by social institutions that threaten societal stability. Durkheim believed that the collective conscience, shared moral norms, and societal cohesion depend heavily on the capacity of social institutions—such as family, education, religion, and government—to identify and remedy these dysfunctions. For example, when educational institutions fail to promote social integration or reproduce inequality, society must intervene to restore balance and cohesion (Durkheim, 1897).
In understanding individual responses to societal pressures, Robert Merton’s strain theory plays a pivotal role. Merton (1938) theorized that societal structures exert pressure on individuals to attain culturally valued goals, primarily success and economic prosperity. When legitimate avenues to achieve these goals are blocked—such as due to poverty or discrimination—individuals experience strain, which may result in deviant behaviors like theft or fraud. Strain theory provides a lens through which we can analyze how social inequalities shape life chances and influence criminal activity, highlighting the importance of structural factors in shaping individual behaviors (Merton, 1938).
Distinguishing social problems from personal issues is crucial in sociological analysis. Social problems are characterized by their challenge to societal norms, their violation of societal values, and their systemic nature. They are often outside an individual's control and require societal interventions to resolve. For instance, issues like racial discrimination, unemployment, or environmental degradation are systemic problems that challenge societal values such as equality and justice. These problems can be mitigated through policy changes, social reforms, and shifts in societal attitudes, unlike personal problems which are limited to individual circumstances (Gordon, 1973).
Supply-side economics, popularly known as trickle-down economics, advocates for providing tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy to stimulate economic growth. Proponents argue that reducing taxes on these groups encourages investment, job creation, and economic expansion. The underlying assumption is that benefits will "trickle down" to lower-income populations through increased employment and wages. This perspective has been influential in shaping tax policy, particularly in the United States during the Reagan administration. However, critics contend that such policies disproportionately favor the wealthy, exacerbate income inequality, and do not necessarily lead to comprehensive economic benefits for all citizens (Laffer, 2004).
Karl Marx regarded the economy as the most influential social institution because it determines the modes of production and the distribution of resources, which in turn shape social class relations and societal structures. Marx (1867) argued that economic forces drive historical development and are central to understanding social change. The capitalist mode of production creates class divisions and exploitation, influencing political systems, legal frameworks, and cultural norms. Therefore, the economic system not only sustains social hierarchies but also acts as the foundation upon which other social institutions are built and operate.
Current efforts to address homelessness are exemplified by sociologists Ruth Milkman and James Wright, who work towards relocating homeless populations near accessible public transportation and social services. Their initiatives aim to improve access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and social support. These efforts are based on the understanding that proximity to resources reduces barriers faced by homeless individuals and enhances their chances for reintegration into society. Their work underscores the importance of environmental and social factors in addressing homelessness and promoting social equity (Milkman, 2017; Wright, 2015).
The core social institutions impacting society include the family, religion, education, government, and the economy. These institutions maintain societal order, transmit cultural values, and regulate social behavior. The family provides emotional support and socialization; religion fosters shared beliefs; education imparts knowledge and skills; government creates laws and policies; and the economy manages material resources. Together, these institutions form the backbone of societal organization, influencing individual development and social stability.
The scientific method in sociology involves several steps, with data collection being a critical phase. Specifically, the research method step pertains to the techniques and procedures used to gather data—such as surveys, interviews, observation, or secondary data analysis. Selecting appropriate methods is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of research findings. Methodological rigor enables sociologists to derive valid conclusions about social problems, test hypotheses, and inform policy recommendations (Bryman, 2012).
The functionalist perspective on social stratification and poverty holds that these social arrangements serve certain positive functions for society. Functionalists, such as Dahrendorf (1959), argue that the existence of different social classes and the stratification system motivate individuals to work hard, compete, and maintain social order. Poverty, within this view, helps define social roles and encourages effort among those seeking upward mobility. Although controversial, this perspective emphasizes the stabilizing roles of social inequalities rather than viewing them solely as sources of conflict.
Reinvestment measures associated with supply-side economics, including tax cuts for corporations and high-income earners, have been debated regarding their effectiveness in improving working conditions. While advocates claim that these policies stimulate economic growth and job creation, evidence remains mixed. Some reports suggest that the benefits predominantly accrue to the wealthy, with limited improvements in workers’ wages or conditions. Thus, the statement that such measures have definitively strengthened America’s working conditions is not supported universally, highlighting the complexity of economic policy outcomes (Krugman, 2007).
References
- Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.
- Dahrendorf, R. (1959). Class and class conflict in industrial society. Stanford University Press.
- Durkheim, E. (1897). Suicide: A study in sociology. Free Press.
- Laffer, A. B. (2004). The Laffer Curve: Past, Present, and Future. The Heritage Foundation.
- Marx, K. (1867). Das Kapital. Verlag von Otto Meissner.
- Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
- Milkman, R. (2017). Dissonant workers: Mobilizing immigrant workers and combating inequality. Cornell University Press.
- Parsons, T. (1951). The social system. The Free Press.
- Wright, J. (2015). Pathways to homelessness: Strategies for housing the urban poor. Routledge.
- Krugman, P. (2007). The false prosperity of trickle-down economics. The New York Times.