Lecture 18 Flashcards
Functionalism
Each part (social institutions) of society is functional for the stability of the whole.
Durkheim
First one to talk about society as machine, while made up of different parts. Thought that there is a tendency in modern societies towards anomie, which come with consequences (suicide, crime). Conservative sociologist because he thought the only way to bring the crime rate down is to reimpose collective values.
Strain Theory
Rooted in functionalism and is associated with Emile Durkheim’s theory of anomie.
Merton’s Anomie Theory of Deviance
A strain theory examining the various adaptations (remember Jimmy).
Who is strain theory associated with?
Durkheim and his theory of anomie.
Strain theories are an ___ of structural functionalism.
Offshoot.
What are the two parts of strain theory?
- People are deviant when they cannot achieve societal goals.
- This leads to strain between your goal and how you an achieve that goal. The bigger the gap, the more likely crime is to occur.
How is fame treated in the West?
- Fame, recognition, and celebrity as a status becomes self-evident virtues. Firmly entrenched in our society.
- Fame eclipsing notion of personal economic success. Few avenues of grabbing a hold of that dream.
How has the conception of strain theory changed?
Strain was typically applied to lower-class people. However, scholars have reinterpreted his work and applied it to numerous areas, including people we don’t typically see as disadvantaged.
Merton says that society tells us that:
- All individuals should aspire to lofty goals. We should be the best we can be. These goals are in reach. If we try hard enough, we can be successful.
* Personal failure in the present is only a way station to success.
* Real failure means that there is something wrong with you. You are giving up, you have no ambition.
Fame and accomplishments were associated more in past times. True or false?
True.
The eligibility for fame was quite slim in the past. True or false?
True.
What makes fame meaningful?
It is rare.
Limitations of functionalism:
- Gives far too much weight to integration and consensus. Takes a consensus view of norms.
- Concerned with the maintenance or continuation of social order in society.
- Society is not like an organism or machine.
Ritualist
Scales down goal so their aspirations can be more easily fulfilled. Sometimes just go through motions. Might become willing to adopt material lifestyle. Deviant because they have given up on goals we are all supposed to be pursuing. It’s good enough kind of person. Scaled down, simple brush to pseudo fame could be worthwhile. Limited interest in celebrity seeking can be seen in fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. Dressing up. Settling for carnival circuit instead of Hollywood.
