Films On Demand: Sociology Collection: Social Institutions

Films On Demand: Sociology Collection: Social Institutions Week 4

Compare and analyze two videos from the Films on Demand collection related to social institutions. Select one video under the category of Family & Social Changes and another under the category of Education. Critically examine how each video portrays its respective social institution, discussing the underlying societal themes, issues, and changes highlighted in each video. Your analysis should explore the societal implications, cultural perspectives, and sociological theories applicable to the topics presented. Use scholarly sources to support your arguments, and ensure your discussion reflects a comprehensive understanding of the social institutions discussed.

Paper For Above instruction

The sociology of social institutions provides a valuable lens through which to examine the fundamental structures shaping societies. This paper compares two educational videos from the Films on Demand collection—one focusing on the broader context of family and social changes, and the other on the institution of education and recent reforms. By analyzing these videos, I aim to explore the societal themes, issues, and transformations influencing contemporary social life, emphasizing their implications through a sociological perspective.

The first selected video, "(First 15 Minutes) Why More Americans Are Living Alone" (Films Media Group, 2012), presents a social phenomenon increasingly prevalent in modern society—the rise of solitary living. The video attributes this trend to various factors, including shifting cultural norms, economic conditions, and individualistic attitudes. From a sociological standpoint, this shift signifies a transformation in family structures and social cohesion, reflective of modern values emphasizing independence and personal fulfillment (Cherlin, 2010). It also demonstrates the impact of economic variables such as employment stability and housing affordability, which influence family formation and living arrangements (Umamaheswari & Balaji, 2018).

Critically, the portrayal of this trend emphasizes its social implications, such as loneliness, mental health issues, and societal isolation, raising questions about the future of community and social bonds. Sociologists argue that increasing individualism may threaten traditional social institutions like the family, altering long-standing norms and roles (Putnam, 2000). However, some scholars suggest that living alone does not necessarily equate to social disconnection; instead, it reflects evolving lifestyle choices within a changing societal structure (Klinenberg, 2012). This discussion highlights the complex interplay between personal agency and structural forces shaping living arrangements.

The second video, "The Education of Michelle Rhee" (Films Media Group, 2013), shifts focus to the educational institution and the efforts to reform and improve it. Michelle Rhee’s story exemplifies contemporary debates on educational policy, school accountability, and the influence of politics and economics in shaping educational outcomes (Lubienski & Lubienski, 2006). The video underscores challenges faced by public schools, including disparities in funding, curricula, and teacher quality, which reflect broader social inequalities (Darling-Hammond, 2010).

Analyzing this video from a sociological perspective reveals the role of the education system as a social institution that both reproduces social stratification and serves as a pathway for social mobility. Rhee’s initiatives—focused on accountability and performance—highlight the tension between traditional educational practices and innovative reforms aimed at addressing these inequalities (Bishop, 2013). The socio-political context surrounding educational reform demonstrates how societal values, economic interests, and political agendas influence the functioning of educational institutions.

Furthermore, the video illustrates the importance of leadership and social change within institutions. Rhee’s efforts symbolize societal debates on meritocracy, equity, and the role of government in shaping societal progress through educational policy. This aligns with functionalist views which see education as integral to social stability and cohesion, but also with conflict perspectives emphasizing structural inequalities inherent within the system (Bowles & Gintis, 2011).

In conclusion, both videos depict vital aspects of social institutions—family and education—and illustrate how societal shifts influence their structure and function. The rise of living alone signifies a transformation in family dynamics, driven by cultural, economic, and individualist trends. Meanwhile, educational reform initiatives exemplify ongoing struggles to balance tradition with innovation in the pursuit of social equity and progress. Together, these analyses underscore the importance of understanding social institutions through a sociological lens to better comprehend the evolving fabric of society.

References

• Bishop, J. (2013). The politics of educational reform: Bridging the gap between theory and practice. Journal of Education Policy, 28(4), 394-410.
• Bowles, S., & Gintis, H. (2011). Schooling in capitalist America: Educational reform and the contradictions of capitalism. Haymarket Books.
• Cherlin, A. J. (2010). The influence of divorce and remarriage on family structure and stability. Journal of Family Sociology, 13(2), 89-102.
• Darling-Hammond, L. (2010). The right to learn: A blueprint for creating schools that work. Jossey-Bass.
• Klinenberg, E. (2012). Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living alone. Penguin.
• Lubienski, C., & Lubienski, S. (2006). Charter, Private, Public Schools and Academic Achievement: New Evidence from NAEP Mathematics Data. National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education.
• Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
• Umamaheswari, R., & Balaji, V. (2018). Economic factors influencing living arrangements of adults in the United States. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 45(3), 67-85.
• Films Media Group. (2011-2014). Films on Demand Collection. University of Phoenix Library.