Module 2 Flashcards
What are social institutions?
Social institutions are organized, established sets of norms and structures that govern the behavior and expectations of members in society. They include the family, religion, education, the economy, politics, etc., and function to maintain social order and meet societal needs.
Why study social institutions in sociology?
They are central to understanding how societies are organized, how power and roles are distributed, and how cultural values and social order are maintained or challenged over time.
Define the family as a social institution.
The family is a primary social unit where individuals are born, nurtured, socialized, and provided emotional and economic support. It shapes identity, social roles, and intergenerational relationships.
What are common family forms found in the Caribbean?
Common forms include the nuclear family, extended family, single-parent (often matrifocal), joint family, reconstituted (blended) families, and common-law unions. Each form reflects historical, economic, and cultural factors.
What functions does the family perform according to functionalist theory?
- Primary socialization: Teaching norms, values, and roles.
- Emotional support: Providing care and affection.
- Economic support: Sharing resources and responsibilities.
- Social stability: Reproducing and maintaining cultural continuity.
Which theorists are key for the functionalist perspective on the family?
Emile Durkheim (on social cohesion) and Talcott Parsons (on family roles and dysfunctions). Their works emphasize how family contributes to social stability.
What are critiques of functionalist views on family?
Critics argue that functionalism: * Overlooks diversity and change in family structures. * Ignores power imbalances and inequality (e.g., gender roles). * Assumes a consensus that may not exist in societies with rapid change or high diversity.
What does conflict theory say about the family?
Conflict theorists (influenced by Marx) view the family as a site of power struggles and inequality. They emphasize how the family can reinforce patriarchal structures and economic inequality through intergenerational transmission of wealth and status.
How do feminist perspectives critique traditional family theories?
Feminist theorists argue that traditional theories often marginalize women’s experiences, maintain patriarchal power, and fail to account for issues such as domestic violence, the undervaluation of women’s work, and the diversity of family forms.
Historical & Caribbean Context of the Family
In the Caribbean, family forms have been shaped by colonial legacies—such as slavery, indentureship, and migration—which have led to non-traditional, often matrifocal structures. Understanding this context is key to analyzing how family functions today.
Define religion as a social institution.
Religion is a set of beliefs, practices, and symbols that seek to explain the meaning of life and the universe. It offers moral guidelines, social cohesion, and a sense of community among followers.
What functions does religion serve in society (from a functionalist view)?
- Social cohesion: Unites individuals around shared beliefs and practices.
- Moral regulation: Provides ethical guidelines and social norms.
- Meaning and purpose: Helps individuals understand life’s mysteries.
- Stabilization: Offers solace during times of crisis and change.
Which works are foundational for the sociological study of religion?
- Emile Durkheim’s “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life” (emphasizes collective conscience).
- Max Weber’s “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” (examines the link between religion and economic behavior).
What does conflict theory say about religion?
Conflict theorists argue that religion can be used to justify inequality and maintain the status quo. It may serve the interests of dominant groups by promoting ideologies that legitimize social hierarchies.
How does symbolic interactionism approach religion?
It focuses on how religious symbols and rituals create meaning in everyday life. Interactionists study how individuals interpret religious experiences and how these shared meanings influence behavior.
What are common critiques of the functionalist perspective on religion?
Critics note that: * Functionalism may gloss over the divisive and conflictual aspects of religion. * It tends to assume that religion is always a force for stability, ignoring its potential to inspire social change or reinforce inequality.
Religion in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean, religion is diverse—encompassing Christianity (with various denominations), African-derived religions, and syncretic forms. Missionary work, colonial history, and cultural fusion play significant roles in shaping religious practices.
Define education as a social institution.
Education is the formal process by which societies transmit knowledge, skills, cultural values, and social norms to new generations. It is essential for socialization, personal development, and economic progress.
What are the functions of education according to functionalist theory?
- Socialization: Transmits norms, values, and cultural knowledge.
- Role allocation: Prepares individuals for various social roles based on merit and ability (meritocracy).
- Social integration: Fosters social cohesion by creating a shared identity and collective conscience.
How does conflict theory interpret the role of education?
Conflict theorists argue that education reproduces social inequality by reinforcing class, race, and gender divisions. They contend that schools may serve the interests of the dominant class through biased curricula and unequal resource allocation.
Which key work is associated with the conflict view of education?
Bowles and Gintis’ “Schooling in Capitalist America” is a seminal work that argues schools reproduce existing class structures.
What is the role of symbolic interactionism in understanding education?
This perspective focuses on everyday interactions in the classroom—such as teacher expectations and labeling—and how these shape students’ self-concepts and academic performance.
What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the functionalist view on education?
Strengths:
– Emphasizes the integrative and socializing role of education.
– Highlights the potential for meritocracy and equal opportunity.
Weaknesses:
– Overlooks systemic inequalities and the reproduction of social hierarchies.
– Assumes that schools function neutrally, ignoring biases in curricula and resource distribution.
Education in the Caribbean
The Caribbean education system reflects colonial legacies and post-independence reforms. Issues such as unequal resource distribution, gender disparities, and challenges in adapting curricula to local contexts are central to understanding its impact on social mobility and inequality.
How do functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives differ in explaining social institutions like family, religion, and education?
- Functionalism: Views institutions as essential for maintaining social order and stability, emphasizing their roles in socialization and integration.
- Conflict: Focuses on power dynamics, arguing that institutions perpetuate inequality and serve the interests of dominant groups.
- Symbolic Interactionism: Examines day-to-day interactions within institutions, emphasizing the creation of meaning through social symbols and communication.
What is the importance of understanding the historical context of these institutions in the Caribbean?
Historical processes—such as colonialism, slavery, and indentureship—have profoundly shaped the structure and function of family, religion, and education in the Caribbean. This context explains unique features (e.g., matrifocal families, religious syncretism, post-colonial educational reforms) that differ from other regions.
