Select And Watch One Video From Each Category
Select And Watchone Video From Each Of The Following Categoriesfamily
Select and watch one video from each of the following categories: Family, Family & Social Changes, Education, Religion. Then, write a 700- to 1,050-word essay explaining the content of each video based on your assigned sociological theoretical approach. Include an introduction that identifies the major social institutions in society and explains their importance. Describe each video and the social institutions they address. Identify relevant models of power structure or political behavior that might be influential. Explain the functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives on the family, religion, and education, and specify which perspective each film employs to discuss these institutions. Use specific examples from the videos to illustrate your points from the perspective of the designated theoretical approach. Conclude by summarizing the main ideas and reflecting on how these institutions have influenced you. Follow APA guidelines for formatting the essay.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Society is structured around core social institutions that govern the behaviors, beliefs, and interactions among individuals. Among these, family, religion, and education play pivotal roles in shaping societal norms, values, and social cohesion. The family serves as the primary unit for socialization, transmitting cultural values and providing emotional support. Religion influences moral values and societal cohesion through shared beliefs and practices, while education prepares individuals for participation in society by imparting knowledge and skills. Understanding these institutions through sociological theories helps reveal their functions, conflicts, and societal impacts in contemporary life.
Descriptions of Each Video and the Social Institutions Addressed
The first video, “Why More Americans Are Living Alone,” emphasizes demographic shifts within the family institution, highlighting the rising trend of solitary living. This phenomenon reflects broader social changes such as increased individualism, economic independence, and changes in family structures. The video underscores how traditional family models are evolving, influencing social support networks and community cohesion.
The second video, “Why Are Fewer Americans Getting Married?” explores shifts in the institution of marriage. It discusses economic factors, changing gender roles, and attitudes toward commitment. The decline in marriage rates signifies transformations in family structures and societal expectations, impacting social stability and gender dynamics.
The third video, “Religion TEDTalks: Alain De Botton,” examines modern perspectives on religion and its relevance in today’s society. It discusses how religion continues to influence moral values and social cohesion, despite declining institutional involvement. The video addresses the role of religion as a social institution contributing to community building and ethical standards.
The fourth video, “Heaven: How Five Religions See It,” compares religious conceptions of the afterlife across different faiths. This highlights religion’s role in shaping societal notions of morality, justice, and ultimate purpose, emphasizing its influence on cultural values and social norms.
The fifth video, “Nine Years After 9/11: Has Religious Tolerance Changed in America?” investigates changes in societal attitudes toward religious diversity and tolerance. It illustrates the complex relationship between religion as a social institution and societal attitudes regarding pluralism and conflict.
The sixth video, “Symbol: Should We Still Fear the Swastika?” discusses the historical and contemporary significance of the swastika as a symbol and its association with hate and intolerance. It highlights how symbols influence social perceptions and group identities, emphasizing issues of power and discrimination.
The seventh video, “The Education of Michelle Rhee,” profiles efforts to reform education and addresses the influence of educational institutions on social mobility and inequality. It discusses policy debates regarding school accountability, funding, and the role of teachers and administrators.
The eighth video, “Unbreakable: One Girl Changing the World: The Story of Malala,” narrates Malala Yousafzai’s activism and advocacy for girls’ education. It emphasizes education as a tool for empowerment and social change, showcasing the global impact of educational institutions.
The ninth video, “TEDTalks: Daphne Koller — What We're Learning from Online Education,” explores how technological advances are transforming educational institutions, making learning more accessible and personalized.
The tenth video, “Lessons from the Real World: Social Issues and Student Involvement,” discusses civic education and social engagement, emphasizing the importance of participatory citizenship and the role of education in fostering social responsibility.
Analysis Through Sociological Perspectives
Each of these videos can be examined through the three primary sociological perspectives: functionalist, conflict, and interactionist.
The family videos reflect the functionalist perspective by emphasizing the family’s role in social stability and socialization. For example, the trend of living alone might be viewed as a functional adaptation to modern economic and social conditions, influencing social support systems. Conversely, conflict theory would critique the decline in marriage and changing family structures as resulting from economic disparities and power inequalities that undermine traditional family roles.
Religion videos highlight religion’s function in maintaining social cohesion and moral order, aligning with functionalist views. The concept of religious tolerance or conflict, as discussed in the videos, can be interpreted through conflict theory, which emphasizes power struggles, discrimination, and societal divisions rooted in religious differences.
Education is seen through a functionalist lens as a mechanism for social integration and mobility, as portrayed in the videos about school reforms and online learning. Conflict theory would focus on education as a site of social inequality, highlighting disparities based on class, race, and access. The story of Malala exemplifies how education can serve as a catalyst for social justice, supporting conflict theory by illustrating struggles against oppressive systems.
Interactionist perspectives are evident in the discussions of symbols like the swastika and the ways individuals interpret religious and educational experiences. The symbolic meaning of these institutions and symbols influences day-to-day interactions and societal perceptions, emphasizing how social reality is constructed through individual and collective meanings.
Conclusion
The examination of family, religion, and education through sociological lenses reveals complex functions, conflicts, and interactions within society. These institutions shape individual identities and societal structures, influencing social stability and change. Personally, understanding these perspectives enhances awareness of how societal forces impact individual lives and societal development. Recognizing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of these institutions encourages ongoing reflection on their roles and our responsibilities as social participants.
References
- Conley, J. M. (2018). You May Ask Yourself: An Introduction to Contemporary Social Theory. W.W. Norton & Company.
- Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Cairns, R., & Beunas, A. (2017). Introduction to Sociology (8th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
- Harrington, M. (2009). Understanding Social Theory. Oxford University Press.
- Ritzer, G. (2019). Sociological Theory (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Scott, J. (2013). Understanding Contemporary Society: Theories of Society. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Smith, D. E. (2010). The Everyday World as Problem and Resource. University of Toronto Press.
- Turner, J. H. (2014). The Structure of Sociological Theory. Wadsworth Publishing.
- Wuthnow, R. (2018). Sharing the Journey: Support Groups and Their Participants. Oxford University Press.
- Zinn, H., & Eitzen, D. S. (2015). The Meaning of Difference: American Constructions of Race, Sex, and Gender. Oxford University Press.
- Beckford, J. A. (2019). Religion and Society. Routledge.