Films On Demand: Sociology Collection: Social Institu 255453

Films on Demand: Sociology collection: Social Institutions Week 4 Individual Assignment Resource

Write a 700- to 1050-word essay explaining the content of the video based on your assigned sociological theoretical approach. · Prepare an introduction that identifies the major social institutions in society and why they are important. · Describe each video and the social institutions they address. · Explain the functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives on the family, religion and education. Which perspective does each film use to discuss the institution? Explain specific examples from the videos from the viewpoint of the designated theoretical approach. · Provide a conclusion that summarizes the main ideas of the essay and describes how these institutions have influenced you.

Paper For Above instruction

Social institutions are foundational structures that organize society and influence individuals' lives, shaping behaviors, norms, and expectations. Among the major social institutions—family, religion, and education—each plays a vital role in maintaining societal stability, transmitting cultural values, and fostering social cohesion. Understanding these institutions through different sociological perspectives—functionalist, conflict, and interactionist—provides a comprehensive view of their functions, dynamics, and issues.

The videos assigned for this week examine various aspects of these social institutions. The first, "Why More Americans Are Living Alone," addresses the family institution. It reveals changing family structures, emphasizing individualism, economic factors, and social trends leading to increased single-person households. From a functionalist perspective, the traditional family serves essential functions such as socialization, economic support, and emotional stability (Parsons, 1951). This film highlights how evolving family patterns may disrupt these functions but also adapt to meet contemporary societal needs. Conflict theorists might interpret these changes as a result of economic inequality and shifting power dynamics, where individualism reflects broader societal inequalities and evolving roles (Marx, 1867). Interactionists would focus on the daily interactions and meanings individuals assign to living alone, viewing it as a personal choice shaped by societal expectations and personal identity (Blumer, 1969).

The second video, "Why Are Fewer Americans Getting Married?" analyzes the institution of marriage. It discusses social changes such as increasing independence, economic considerations, and shifting cultural attitudes towards marriage. From a functionalist viewpoint, marriage is essential for social stability, regulating sexual behavior, and procreation (Murdock, 1949). However, decreasing marriage rates might suggest a transformation in how society fulfills these functions or alternative arrangements replacing traditional marriage. Conflict theory would interpret this trend as a reflection of changing power relations and struggles over gender roles, economic security, and personal autonomy (Engels, 1884). Interactionists would examine how individuals redefine marriage and relational norms, reshaping the social significance of partnership in everyday life (Goffman, 1959).

The videos on religion, such as "Heaven: How Five Religions See It" and "Nine Years After 9/11," delve into religious beliefs and their societal roles. From a functionalist perspective, religion provides social cohesion, moral order, and a sense of purpose (Durkheim, 1912). These videos demonstrate how religions establish shared values across communities, reinforcing social norms and cohesion. Conflict theorists, however, view religion as a tool that can uphold power structures and justify social inequalities (Marx, 1843). For example, religious doctrine might reinforce gender roles or economic disparities. Interactionists like Berger (1967) focus on how religious symbols and rituals create meaning and identities for individuals, shaping their worldview and social reality.

"The Education of Michelle Rhee," "Unbreakable: One Girl Changing the World: The Story of Malala," and "Daphne Koller: What We're Learning from Online Education" explore education as a social institution. Education transmits knowledge, promotes social integration, and prepares individuals for their societal roles (Dewey, 1916). The videos showcase varied educational experiences—public school reform, global advocacy, and online learning—highlighting reforms and challenges. From a functionalist perspective, education is essential for social stability and mobility (Parsons, 1959). It fosters social cohesion and individual development. Conflict theorists see education as a means of perpetuating social inequalities by privileging certain groups (Bourdieu, 1977). Interactionists focus on classroom interactions, teacher-student relationships, and how meaning is constructed during education (Mead, 1934).

In conclusion, these social institutions—family, religion, and education—are integral to society's functioning and influence individuals' identities and life choices. Each has undergone significant changes influenced by societal shifts, economic factors, and cultural transformations. Viewing these institutions through diverse sociological perspectives enriches our understanding of their complexities and challenges. Personally, these insights underscore the importance of understanding societal structures' roles in shaping individual experiences and societal stability. Recognizing how institutions function and evolve helps in appreciating the interconnectedness of society and the ongoing processes that influence social change.

References

• Berger, P. (1967). The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion. Anchor Books.
• Bourdieu, P. (1977). Cultural Capital and Social Classes. In Richardson, J. (Ed.), Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education (pp. 241-258). Greenwood.
• Durkheim, É. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Oxford University Press.
• Engels, F. (1884). The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State. Progress Publishers.
• Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.
• Marx, K. (1867). Capital: A Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics.
• Marx, K. (1843). A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right.
• Murdock, G. P. (1949). Social Structure. The Free Press.
• Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. Routledge.
• Parsons, T. (1959). Family, Socialization and Interaction Process. Free Press.