Films On Demand: Sociology Collection: Social Institu 173095

Films On Demand: Sociology Collection: Social Institutions Week 4

Select and watch one video from each of the following categories: Family, Family & Social Changes, Religion, and Education. After viewing the selected videos, analyze how each social institution is depicted and its role in shaping societal norms, values, and behaviors. Discuss the interplay between these social institutions and contemporary social issues. Reflect on how these institutions contribute to social stability or change, using specific examples from the videos and supporting scholarly literature.

Paper For Above instruction

The intricate fabric of society is woven through various social institutions, each playing a pivotal role in shaping individual behaviors, societal norms, and collective values. The selected videos from the Films on Demand collection offer a comprehensive overview of four fundamental social institutions: family, religion, and education, illustrating their significance and transformation in contemporary society. Analyzing these videos provides insight into how these institutions function and influence societal change, stability, and individual experiences.

Family and Its Evolving Role

The first video in the family category, "Why More Americans Are Living Alone," sheds light on shifting household patterns. Traditionally, the family unit was viewed as the primary social institution responsible for socialization, emotional support, and economic stability. However, recent trends indicate an increase in single-person households, driven by factors such as changing gender roles, increased urbanization, and individualism. Sociologist Eva S. Koropeckyj’s research indicates that these changes reflect broader societal shifts toward independence, altering the traditional family functions (Koropeckyj, 2010). This trend has implications for social cohesion and the distribution of social resources, challenging the conventional stability associated with family structures (Cherlin, 2013).

Family & Social Changes

The video "Why Are Fewer Americans Getting Married?" explores declining marriage rates, emphasizing economic factors, societal attitudes towards marriage, and changing expectations. The decline signifies a transformation in social norms concerning partnership and commitment, influenced by the rise of cohabitation and alternative family forms. These shifts suggest a move toward individual fulfillment over traditional marital stability, impacting societal perceptions of family and kinship networks (Cherlin, 2010). Such changes pose questions about the future of social support systems traditionally rooted in marriage-based institutions.

Religion and Its Societal Impact

The religious-themed videos provide a nuanced understanding of religion's role in modern society. Alain De Botton's TED Talk, "Atheism 2.0," advocates for secular humanism and suggests that society can adopt moral frameworks typically provided by religion without adherence to divine faith. This perspective signifies a shift toward secular ethics in an increasingly pluralistic society (De Botton, 2012). Meanwhile, "Heaven: How Five Religions See It" compares religious perspectives on the afterlife, emphasizing the diversity of beliefs and their influence on moral conduct and social cohesion.

The video "Nine Years After 9/11: Has Religious Tolerance Changed in America?" examines the impact of religious diversity and tolerance on American society. Despite heightened awareness and dialogue, incidents of religious intolerance persist, revealing ongoing tensions between religious freedom and societal cohesion (Sullivan, 2010). The symbol of the swastika, discussed in "Should We Still Fear the Swastika?" reflects enduring associations with hate and intolerance, prompting ongoing societal debate about symbols, free speech, and collective memory.

Educational Institutions and Societal Change

The videos regarding education, including "The Education of Michelle Rhee," highlight efforts to reform schooling systems to address inequality and improve educational outcomes. Michelle Rhee’s career exemplifies leadership in educational reform aimed at accountability and equity, which are crucial for social mobility (Rhee, 2013). Conversely, "Unbreakable: One Girl Changing the World," about Malala Yousafzai, underscores the transformative power of education in empowering marginalized populations, particularly girls in conflict zones (Yousafzai, 2013). The importance of education as an agent of social change is further emphasized by Daphne Koller’s TED Talk, "What We're Learning from Online Education," illustrating technological advancements that democratize learning opportunities and challenge traditional schooling paradigms (Koller, 2012). These examples demonstrate that education continues to evolve as a catalyst for social mobility and societal progress.

Synergy and Tensions Among Social Institutions

The videos collectively depict the dynamic interactions among family, religion, and education as core social institutions. They often reinforce societal norms but also exhibit tensions and shifts in values. For example, changing family structures and attitudes toward marriage influence educational and religious practices, prompting society to rethink traditional roles. Conversely, religious values can shape educational curricula and family expectations, reinforcing societal stability. However, as social institutions evolve, conflicts emerge, especially around issues of tolerance, gender roles, and access to resources, reflecting ongoing societal negotiations between tradition and modernity (Durkheim, 1912; Parsons, 1951).

Conclusion

The examined videos illustrate that social institutions are vital in maintaining social order, promoting shared values, and accommodating societal change. As society becomes increasingly diverse and interconnected, these institutions must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. The insights gained underscore the importance of continual reevaluation of the roles these institutions play in fostering social cohesion, mobility, and progress. Ultimately, understanding the complex interplay between family, religion, and education enhances our comprehension of societal dynamics and informs efforts to address contemporary social issues.

References

• Cherlin, A. J. (2010). Families andSociety: A Sociological Perspective. Oxford University Press.
• Cherlin, A. J. (2013). The Marriage-Go-Round: The State of Marriage and the Family in America Today. Vintage.
• De Botton, A. (2012). Atheism 2.0 [Video]. Films on Demand.
• Durkheim, É. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Free Press.
• Koller, D. (2012). What We're Learning from Online Education [Video]. Films on Demand.
• Koropeckyj, E. S. (2010). The Changing Family: Trends and Impacts. Sociology Today, 23(4), 45-49.
• Rhee, M. (2013). The Education of Michelle Rhee [Video]. Films on Demand.
• Sullivan, M. (2010). Nine Years After 9/11: Has Religious Tolerance Changed in America? [Video]. Films on Demand.
• Yousafzai, M. (2013). Unbreakable: One Girl Changing the World [Video]. Films on Demand.