Assess the functionalist explanations of social inequality

Asses the Functionalist explanations of Social Inequality. (40) Social Inequality refers to any difference between groups or individuals in society which results in one having inferior life chances than the other. Functionalists believe these inequalities are the result of the meritocracy we live in. This is a system based on the idea that social stratification is necessary and desirable for the society. Functionalists argue that inequalities have a purpose; they are functional for society. Functionalism is a structural theory based on the notion that society is based on shared values. This consensus means that society will be in a state of equilibrium and there is harmony, as a result of which there will be social solidarity.†¦show more content†¦There is not a consensus with regard to which are the most important jobs; for e.g. bankers are paid very well but most people would probably argue that nurses are more important to society. Some groups start with more power and status and are therefore are able to ensure they and their childre n get access to the education that will mean they then get a higher status jobs. Life chances are affected by status and wealth and the poor have less access to opportunity to gain access and wealth. Tumin argued that going to universities is not really a sacrifice, although many people in the UK would probably argue it will be as fees go up. The work of the functionalists is not supported by empirical evidence, particularly with regard to the idea that there is a value consensus. Marxism is based on the macro theory which, like functionalism, is concerned with the structure of society. Marxism explains inequalities in societies such as the UK by examining the ways in which the bourgeoisie exploit and oppress the working class or proletariat. Inequalities are a result of the economic arrangements people make to meet their basic needs. Bowles and Gintis used Marxist ideas to explain how the education system reproduced the ideas of the ruling class and legitimated inequalities. They argue students’ experience of schooling is an alienating one. School specifically prepares students for their future as workers in a capitalist system. They argue that school does notShow MoreRelatedAssess the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Functionalist Approach to Society1165 Words   |  5 PagesAssess the strengths and weaknesses of the functionalist approach to society (33 marks) Functionalism is seen as a macro-scale approach to society; it sees society as a whole rather than looking at parts of it. Due to this, functionalism sees society as a body (organic analogy), all the institutions work together to make society. This is particularly useful when observing society in order to understand the way in which it functions and the way in which all the institutions (organic analogy: organsRead MoreUsing Material from Item a and Elsewhere Assess the Contribution of Functionalism to Our Understanding of the Role of Education.1422 Words   |  6 PagesUsing material from item A and elsewhere assess the contribution of functionalism to our understanding of the role of education. Functionalism is based on the view that society is a system of interdependent parts held together by a shared culture or value consensus (agreement) amongst individuals as to what values or norms are important in society. Therefore they take a positive view of the education system. As item A suggests they see it as a form of secondary socialism essential to maintainingRead MoreOutline and Assess Marxist Explanations of Crime1208 Words   |  5 PagesOutline and assess Marxist explanations of crime Marxist and neo-Marxist approaches and explanations of crime are arguably some of the most controversial, for the reason that they state that it is the ruling class that is responsible for criminalising the working classes, which goes directly against what official statistics and Functionalists believe. However, Marxism and Functionalism do share a similarity in that both believe structures and institutions of society play a very important roleRead MoreAssess the contribution of feminist sociologists to an understanding of family roles and relationships.1353 Words   |  6 PagesAssess the contribution of feminist sociologists to an understanding of family roles and relationships. In this essay I will explore the different schools of feminism such as Marxist, liberal and radical feminism, who share the view that women are oppressed in a patriarchal society but differ in opinion on who benefits from the inequalities. Each school of feminism has their own understanding of family roles and relationships which I will assess through this essay. Firstly one must look at theRead MoreOutline and Assess Marxist Explanations of the Causes of Crime719 Words   |  3 PagesOutline and assess Marxist explanations of the causes of crime (50 marks) It is to a large extent that Marxism is a useful theory in explaining the causes of crime. This is because it highlights the inequalities in society and how the ruling class owns the means of production. This fails to show reasons why not everyone is facing status frustration and lower income turn to crime. One way in which Marxism is a useful theory for explaining the causes of crime is the concept of capitalism, criminogenicRead MoreSocial Stratification1589 Words   |  7 PagesDISCUSS TO ASSESS THE APPLICABILITY OF THE CONFLICT THEORY IN EXPLAINING STRATIFICATION. ‘Stratification’ is a term used to characterize a structure of inequality where individuals occupy differentiated structural positions and the positions are situated in layers (or strata) that are ranked hierarchically according to broadly recognized standards .( Durlauf 1999) The conflict theory in relation to social stratification argues that stratification,†reflects the distribution of power in societyRead MoreAssess the View That Religion Is a Source of Instability and Conflict1094 Words   |  5 PagesAssess the view that religion is a major source of instability and conflict in society today Religion has held an important role in society since the beginning of civilisation and it has such power over people’s minds and shape the way our world developed. Whilst some sociological theories such as functionalist sees religion as performing a positive function in society as it can lead to social solidarity, integrating people into society, other sociological theories such as Marxist and FeministRead MoreSociology5053 Words   |  21 PagesGovernment policies and laws include tax and benefit policies as well as legislation such as relating to divorce and marriage. Sociologists have different views on the impact of these policies and laws on families. For example, feminists argue that social policies assume that the ideal family is a patriarchal nuclear family, and that government policies and laws therefore favour this sort of family. On the other hand, the New Right argue that the benefit system undermines traditional nuclear familiesRead MoreSocial Structure And Human Social Life2332 Words   |  10 Pagescircumstances of the industrial revolution. Due to widespread misconception that working class offspring’s are not able to learn or could benefit from education, what was influenced by economic interests of the time, speculations in regards to social structure and human social life start to appear (Ken Robinson 2008 n.p.). Education had series of reforms before it obtained its current form. Through the time, national curriculum broadened as additional subjects and qualifications were added e.g. politics orRead MoreSociological And Common Sense Understanding1341 Words   |  6 Pagessociology and other social sciences, and evaluate two sociological perspectives – Marxism and feminism. Sociology is the scientific study of human society. It examines the development of social structures, and the interaction between these structures and human behaviour. Sociologists aim to provide tools of understanding the process of socialisation, and investigate the causes and consequences of things such as labels, belief systems, bureaucracy, gender roles, relationships, and inequality. Becker and

The Theory Of Cognitive Approach On Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders (ED) are a real â€Å"epidemic† plaguing industrialized and developed societies, affecting mostly adolescents and young adults (Benas Gibb 2011). In general, the flawed thinking of people suffering from such diseases is characterized by an obsession with perfection of the body. The impact that eating disorders have on women has always been more prevalent than on males. (Benas Gibb 2011; Polivy Herman 2002). The culture-bound syndromes are constellations of signs and symptoms, that are restricted to certain the cultural pressure to lose weight, which is considered a key element of the etiology of these disorders, therefore, along with biological, psychological and family factors have been generating an excessive preoccupation with the body, an abnormal fear of becoming fat and anxiety markedly accompanied by changes in the body schema. These are therefore the characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The following ten literature revi ew attempt to demonstrate and support the theory of cognitive approach on eating disorders, briefly understanding the neurobiological mechanisms. Eating Disorders are defined as deviations of eating behavior that can lead to extreme weight loss (cachexia) or obesity, among other physical problems and disabilities. The main types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. These two diseases are closely related because they represented some symptoms in common: a prevalent idea involvingShow MoreRelatedA Research Study On Eating Disorders Essay1251 Words   |  6 Pagesprimarily on how eating disorders affect both genders, predominantly in Western societies. The term ‘eating disorder’ is a very comprehensive term, which is further broken down into categories. The content of this essay will cover three of these categories; including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Additionally discussed are the benefits of psychodynamic theory and cognitive behavioural therapy and how these approaches may be used in relation to eating disorders in a therapeuticRead MoreCognitive B ehavior Therapy1349 Words   |  6 PagesCognitive Behavior Therapy Developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck,  Cognitive Therapy (CT), or Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), is a form of psychotherapy in which the therapist and the client work together as a team to identify and solve problems. Therapists help clients to overcome their difficulties by changing their thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. A System of Psychotherapy Cognitive therapy is a comprehensive system of psychotherapy, and treatment is based on an elaborated and empiricallyRead MoreAnorexia Nervos A Group Of Eating Disorders1696 Words   |  7 Pages Anorexia nervosa is psychiatric condition that is part of a group of eating disorders. It is associated with abnormally low body weight, extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image. Those with the disorder place a high value on controlling their weight to produce certain image. However, those suffering from the disorder more than likely use extreme efforts that tends to significantly interfere with their health and even normal activities or occupations in their livesRead MoreEating Disorders : Anorexia Nervosa1477 Words   |  6 Pagesare three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. They all involve serious disturbances in weight regulation and eating habits, accompanied by adverse effects on social, psychol ogical and physical aspects of one’s life (‘Eating disorders: About more than food’, n.d.). This essay will specifically be focusing on bulimia nervosa, as research shows a higher level of stigma associated with it, compared to other eating disorders (Roehrig McLean, 2009)Read MoreAnorexia Nervosa (Phychology)1084 Words   |  5 PagesEXPLANATIONS FOR MENTAL DISORDERS There are several approaches in psychology which attempt to explain mental disorders. The biological approach sees a mental disorder as a medical problem, it assumes mental illness to have a physical cause and the treatment offered is physical. Behavioural approach emphasise learned behaviour, its treatment is based on conditioning principles. New adaptive behaviours are learned. Other approaches which propose causes of mental disorders as psychological are psychodynamicRead MoreCognitive Behavioral Therapy And Mental Health Disorders Essay1545 Words   |  7 Pagesadolescence stage constantly wondered me what clinical approach can treat depression. Rather than relying on medications, clinical therapies are more effective to cure a variety of mental disorders. Although there are numerous psychological and physiological treatments to cure depression, ‘Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’ [CBT] will effectively treat depression as well as other mental health problems. Common ly used by most mental health experts, cognitive behavioral therapy is â€Å"a short-term, problem-focusedRead MoreCognitive Therapy And Mental Health Problems914 Words   |  4 Pages(Beck, 1970). Lastly, cognitive errors focus on the faulty thinking that patients have developed due to the way that they experience the world around them. Cognitive therapy aims to shift this pattern of thinking teaching the patient how to reframe their thoughts to a more rational thought pattern. While this book was written specifically for work with depressed patients, Beck begins to notice within his practice that this therapy technique could be adapted to treat other disorders specifically anxietyRead MoreJamie1634 Words   |  7 PagesIn this essay I will analyse in reference to the case study, how psychological theory informs our understanding of mental health disorders. I have chosen the following two theories to analyse, Psychodynamic and Cognitive. I will also evaluate how certain therap ies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychotherapy may help or change a depressed person’s behaviour. Depression is a potentially disabling illness that affects many, but is understood by few. Suffers often do not recogniseRead MoreAnalysis Of Aaron Beck s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Essay1348 Words   |  6 PagesTheoretical Summary Aaron Beck developed the cognitive therapy concept in the 1960s. Beck was very ill as a child and perceive his mother to be depressed and unpredictable due to losing two children in their infancy due to illness. Beck graduated from Brown University and Yale Medical School. According to Beck’s daughter Judith, cognitive therapy is based on the ideas of the stoic philosophers in Greece and Rome (Seligman et al, 2014, p. 294) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was founded by Donald MeichenbaumRead MoreDefinition And Intervention Mid Term Project Is Teen Dating Violence1156 Words   |  5 Pagesquestioning, active listening, and effective communication skills. The three most important leader styles that will be identify in my group are directive leaders, participative leaders, and supportive leaders. I will be discussing interventions, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, positive self-talk, psychoeducational group, and counseling group. Adolescent Dating Violence â€Å"Teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling behavior exhibited towards one teenager by another

Analysing the Meaning of Evil Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Analysing the Meaning of Evil. Answer: While analysing the meaning of evil, it should be stated that evil does not essentially imply a state of being where an individual deliberately embraces the negativity for the sole sake of hurting or harming others, but choosing the evil offers a sense of pleasure, that good does not offer. A man turns out to be evil as and when he wishes to break free from the man-made or natural or ethical limitations around him, and embrace what makes him happy. For example, Dr. Faustus explored the enormity of knowledge and sold himself to the Devil, and derived evanescent and yet considerable pleasure, which he could not experience, had he accepted the limitations of a restricted, conscientious world. Rising above nature, challenging the stability of a Universe, brings in the evil in mankind. The American literary character Holden, reminding one of Frankenstein or Eve, tried to break free from the order and harmony of the Universe and challenge the supremacy of the God, resulted in the destructi on of humans and natural objects (Cusher). As it has been found that Frankenstein wanted to became a creator and move himself up to the position of God or above him. This was when he created robots and gave life to the machine. This had for obvious reasons resulted in the creation of evil in the form of robot. Again, Holden was a learned boy and he devoted lots of time in study and education but had never used the same knowledge in a positive way but helped in increasing negativity in nature and society. According to me, the evil refers to a specific state of being, where the individual loses his sanity, becomes indifferent to the concerns of the others, and gets driven by a feeling of lust and selfishness that leads to the annihilation of the good. The evil state, I believe, exists in everyone, but it is aroused only when one is fascinated by the thirst of power and influence that he can exert upon the less powerful victim (Neiman). The evil provokes one to destroy a sense of meaning, pattern or harmony in the universe, and to lose a sense of purpose in life. An evil entity will neither think of others, nor will anticipate the impact of inflicting cruelty, pain, or violence on others. Losing a sense of meaning in life and faith in the goodness, the evil person wishes to become the ultimate power in the world. I think that an individual can be willingly and consciously evil only when he loses the purpose in life, or he fails to comprehend the inherent essence of life. Life is conside red to be gifted, and usually people believe in good actions that repay and bad actions that lead to undesirable outcome. However, what happens to a person who loses faith in the goodness of the world, the ability of the Absolute Power and starts becoming sceptical about his origin? He will tend to become reckless and relentless in life, engaging in whatever action he pleases, and remains indifferent to anything but himself (Rossenbaum). By the end, it can be mentioned that initially as an individual unaware of the evil spirit prevailing within him, accidentally experiences the same, because of revenge, pain and trauma, and once experienced, he feels thrilled by the intense and immediate pleasure derived through it. In absence of conscience, he repeats the evil act and leads himself to path of moral degeneration. In order to become powerful, the evil gets fascinated by a lawless, irrational mind that helps him challenge, question and dismiss the limitations of the universe he was born in. Embracing the evil avails one immense freedom, one is otherwise deprived of. Refrences Cusher, Brent Edwin. "Cormac McCarthy's Definition of Evil: Blood Meridian and the Case of Judge Holden."Perspectives on Political Science43.4 (2014): 223-230. Neiman, Susan.Evil in modern thought: An alternative history of philosophy. Princeton University Press, 2015. Rosenbaum, Ron.Explaining Hitler: The search for the origins of his evil. Hachette UK, 2014..