Question 1 In The Late 1800s Horatio Alger Wrote Over 100 Fi

Question 1in The Late 1800s Horatio Alger Wrote Over 100 Fictional St

In the late 1800s, Horatio Alger wrote over 100 fictional stories of amazing success from rags-to-riches. Functionalists used Alger's stories to support their belief that failure and success lies squarely on the individual. · Does the belief that failure and success lies squarely with the individual release society from any responsibility in assisting those needing help? · Support your position with examples. Respond to this… I think that this topic is a bit subjective. I do believe that success and some failure lies with the individual. You have to put in the effort in order to be successful.

Successful can be defined in many ways. It does not necessarily equate to wealth. To me it means that you are holding a job, paying your bills and helping to take care of your family by helping to provide food, clothing, and shelter. At some point in our lives, many of us will fall on hard times whether it is due to downsizing and losing our job or medical issues that force a person to stop working. These things are not within our circle of control, and we may need government assistance for a time.

Just because success is within our circle of control, it shouldn't completely release society from social responsibility. The issue comes in to play when individuals abuse the system and learn how to play the system. When we have extra time or a few extra dollars, we should try to help those in need. Whether it be through volunteering our time, donating to the local food shelf, or money to a worthy cause, it is our individual social responsibility to give back when we can. This is not to say that we should give all of our worldly possessions away to help others, but if we can spare that extra few dollars towards cancer research, or for the red kettle that you walk past at your local grocery store, then we should.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate over individual responsibility versus societal duty in addressing success and failure is longstanding and multifaceted. The stories of Horatio Alger exemplify a societal belief that individual effort determines success, often promoting the idea that anyone can succeed through hard work and perseverance. These narratives support the philosophical stance of functionalism, which posits that society functions best when individuals take responsibility for their own outcomes. However, this perspective may overlook the structural factors that influence opportunities and outcomes for individuals.

From a functionalist perspective, personal effort and meritocracy are central to societal progress. Alger’s stories of rags-to-riches serve to motivate individuals to strive for success, reinforcing the belief that failure is a result of personal inadequacy rather than systemic barriers. For example, a person who works hard to obtain an education and develop skills may achieve upward mobility, whereas those who do not succeed are perceived as lacking motivation or ability (Merton, 1938). This viewpoint emphasizes individual accountability, proposing that society’s role is primarily to provide opportunities rather than direct intervention.

However, critics argue that such a focus on individual responsibility can obscure the role of societal structures—such as economic inequality, education disparities, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare—that significantly impact one’s chances of success. In reality, many individuals encounter circumstances beyond their control, such as medical emergencies or economic downturns, which can hinder their ability to succeed regardless of effort. For instance, individuals living in poverty often face barriers like inadequate education and healthcare, limiting their opportunities for upward mobility (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003).

Furthermore, societal responsibility encompasses providing safety nets and support systems for those facing hardships. Government programs such as unemployment benefits, social security, and food assistance are designed to help individuals during tough times. While these programs aim to mitigate the effects of structural inequities, abuse of such systems can occur, leading to debates about fairness and resource allocation. Nonetheless, the existence of these programs exemplifies society’s recognition that individual success is not solely a matter of personal effort but also involves collective responsibility.

Given these considerations, it is essential to strike a balance between promoting personal responsibility and recognizing societal obligations. Encouraging individual effort without neglecting structural barriers creates a more equitable society. For example, policies that aim to improve access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and fair employment opportunities directly address systemic issues that impede success for many individuals (Kawachi, Subramanian, & Kim, 2008). Such measures acknowledge that society does have a role in creating equitable conditions that can enable individuals to succeed based on their efforts.

In conclusion, while Alger’s stories and the functionalist view promote the importance of individual effort in achieving success, they should not lead society to abdicate its responsibilities. Both personal initiative and societal support are vital to fostering an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed. Acknowledging and addressing structural barriers, alongside promoting individual effort, can lead to a more just and inclusive society.

References

• Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
• Wilkinson, R. G., & Marmot, M. (Eds.). (2003). Social determinants of health: The solid facts. World Health Organization.
• Kawachi, I., Subramanian, S. V., & Kim, D. (2008). Social capital and health: Models and mechanisms. In Social Capital and Health (pp. 1-21). Springer.
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