Sociology Required Textbook David Newman Sociology 13th Ed
Sociologyrequired Textbook David Newman Sociology 13th Ed Explori
Sociology required Textbook: David Newman: Sociology, 13th ed. (Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life). From each of the three major sociological perspectives, give an explanation of why people get divorced. Why has the divorce rate in America increased so much over the past 100+ years? What explanation would a structural functionalist give for the increasing divorce rates? What about a conflict theorist? Finally, what would a symbolic interactionist say to explain divorce?
Give thoughtful answers and apply the explanations of these different perspectives from your textbook. Watch the video clip about anorexia, found under Module 1. Use your understanding of the sociological imagination (from Chapter 1) to address the following question: can we consider anorexia to be an individual problem or a social one? If we come to understand anorexia in sociological—rather than wholly individualistic—terms, how can we as a society change our approach to addressing disordered eating? Think about the social and cultural forces and institutions (from Chapter 2) that shape our sense of beauty and desirability.
Use as many of the 'Key Terms' from Chapter 2 as you can to answer this question thoughtfully. Watch "The Stanford Prison Experiment." Answer the following questions after watching the documentary. 1) What elements of the larger social structure can be observed in this program? Think in terms of statuses, roles, groups, organizations and social institutions. 2) Can you find examples of role conflict? 3) Can you recall a time when you ‘changed’ your behavior, actions or attitudes as a result of the environment you were in?
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment presents a comprehensive examination of sociological perspectives and their explanations of social phenomena, including divorce, anorexia, and role behavior within social structures. This paper will analyze these topics through the lenses of structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, applying sociological concepts and key terms to deepen understanding.
Sociological Perspectives on Divorce
First, considering divorce through sociological perspectives, the structural functionalist view interprets divorce as a disruption in the social system that can signal a breakdown in the function of marriage as a social institution. Functionalists argue that historically, marriage served essential functions such as social stability, economic support, and reproduction. When these functions are compromised or the marriage no longer fulfills these roles effectively, divorce may serve as a mechanism to restore social equilibrium or adapt to changing social needs (Parsons, 1951). The increasing divorce rates over the past century reflect broader social changes, including shifts in gender roles, economic independence, and societal attitudes towards marriage and individual fulfillment.
From a conflict perspective, divorce can be viewed as a result of social inequalities and power struggles. Conflict theorists emphasize how economic, gender, and class inequalities can create tension within marriages, leading to divorce. For example, disparities in power, such as gender inequalities reinforced by patriarchy or economic dependency, may contribute to marital instability. Additionally, conflict theorists might argue that rising divorce rates mirror societal changes that challenge traditional power structures, such as women’s increased economic independence and social mobility (Marx & Engles, 1848).
Symbolic interactionism offers a micro-level perspective, focusing on individual interactions and meanings attached to marriage and divorce. From this perspective, divorce results from changing perceptions, communication patterns, and individual definitions of marriage and personal happiness. Symbolic interactionists might examine how couples interpret their experiences and how social interactions, expectations, and symbols influence decisions to divorce (Blumer, 1969). As societal attitudes towards divorce become more accepting, individuals may view divorce as a viable solution to issues within their relationships.
Anorexia and the Sociological Imagination
Applying the sociological imagination to anorexia reveals it as more than an individual problem; it is deeply rooted in social and cultural structures. While biological and psychological factors play roles, societal standards of beauty, media portrayal of thinness, and cultural norms significantly shape perceptions of desirability. Using C. Wright Mills’ concept of the sociological imagination, we connect personal troubles—like anorexia—with larger social issues, including societal pressures for women to conform to ideals of attractiveness (Mills, 1959). These societal forces create social rules and expectations that influence individual behaviors and mental health.
For instance, the pervasive media obsession with slenderness and the glorification of certain physical attributes reinforce beauty standards that can contribute to disordered eating. Education, media, and fashion industries act as social institutions that uphold these standards, influencing individual self-esteem and body image. If society recognized anorexia as a social problem rooted in these structural forces, interventions would extend beyond individual therapy to include media reforms, education campaigns, and cultural shifts promoting diverse and realistic standards of beauty. This approach would address the social root causes of disordered eating, reducing stigma and fostering healthier body images.
The Stanford Prison Experiment and Social Structures
The Stanford Prison Experiment vividly illustrates elements of larger social structures such as roles, statuses, groups, and social institutions. The participants were assigned roles of prisoners and guards, which created a microcosm of a social institution—the prison system. The experiment demonstrated how individuals conform to prescribed roles, often internalizing associated expectations, which aligns with the concept of status and role theory (Zimbardo, 1971). Participants quickly adopted behaviors consistent with their assigned roles, exhibiting authority or submission, highlighting how social positions influence individual actions.
Role conflict was evident when guards, initially instructed to behave ethically, adopted authoritarian behaviors, and some prisoners experienced distress, illustrating the tension between personal morals and role expectations. Personal identities clashed with the perceived roles, creating internal conflict and influencing behavior.
On a personal level, many individuals can recall instances where their behavior changed based on their environment. For example, a person may act more assertively in a competitive workplace versus a casual social gathering, influenced by the differing social norms and expectations. These shifts demonstrate the powerful influence of social context on individual attitudes and actions, echoing the experiment’s findings of situational influences on behavior.
Conclusion
Through examining divorce, anorexia, and behavior within social structures, this paper underscores the importance of sociological perspectives and the sociological imagination in understanding complex social issues. Recognizing these phenomena as products of social, cultural, and structural forces allows for more comprehensive approaches to addressing societal problems rather than solely focusing on individual pathology. Integrating theory and social analysis helps foster societal change towards healthier and more equitable social environments.
References
Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
Mills, C. W. (1959). The Sociological Imagination. Oxford University Press.
Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. Free Press.
Zimbardo, P. G. (1971). The Stanford Prison Experiment. University of Michigan.
Additional references include recent scholarly articles on divorce trends, media influence on body image, and social psychology studies pertinent to role theory.