For this assignment, answer the questions below.
- What is the basis of the functionalist perspective as it relates to explaining deviant behavior? Who is the creator of this perspective? Give an example from current events that support the functionalist explanation of deviance.
- When a sociologist talks about meritocracy as an ideal system of stratification, what do they mean by “ideal system”? Is American a meritocratic society? Explain your response using information from the lecture notes and readings.
- Explain why addressing only the prejudices held by individuals allows institutional and structural racism to persist in society.
- Chapter 12 makes it clear that there are a variety of ways to understand the origins of sexual orientation. Contrast how a queer theorist would understand sexual orientation with the views of a structural-functionalist.
- Describe the purpose of rituals in religious traditions. At what times are rituals more likely to take place, and toward what purpose?
Question One: Functionalist Perspective on Deviant Behavior
Deviance refers to the violation of established cultural, social, or contextual norms. The functionalist perspective, developed by Emile Durkheim and later expanded by Robert Merton, provides a framework for understanding deviance within society. According to this perspective, deviant behavior serves important functions: it clarifies societal norms, strengthens social bonds, and can lead to social change. Merton’s strain theory further explains deviance by analyzing the disjunction between culturally prescribed goals and the socially approved means to achieve them.
Merton identified five ways individuals respond to societal pressures: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. Conformists adhere to societal norms, while innovators pursue culturally prescribed goals through illegitimate means. For example, an entrepreneur who embezzles company funds to start a business exemplifies innovation.
Current events support this theory. Consider financial fraud in corporations: when individuals face pressure to achieve success but lack legitimate means, they may resort to unethical practices. Similarly, social disorganization theory, proposed by researchers at the University of Chicago, suggests that crime arises in communities with weak social ties and a lack of collective efficacy. For instance, high crime rates in economically disadvantaged urban areas often correlate with inadequate education and fragmented community structures.
The cultural deviance perspective, introduced by Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay, highlights the influence of socioeconomic and racial factors. This theory posits that deviance arises when cultural values conflict with mainstream norms, such as gang violence in inner-city areas where criminal behavior becomes normalized.
Question Two: Meritocracy as an Ideal System
Meritocracy refers to a system where social stratification is based solely on individual effort, abilities, and achievements. Sociologists describe meritocracy as an ideal system because it represents a theoretical framework rather than a reality. In practice, societal stratification is influenced by structural inequalities such as race, gender, and socioeconomic background.
The United States is not a purely meritocratic society. While merit and effort play a role, systemic barriers often limit upward mobility. For instance, access to quality education, healthcare, and networks often depends on family income and social class. The social stratification system in the U.S. reveals stark disparities: the upper class wields disproportionate power and resources, while the working class struggles with job insecurity and limited access to opportunities.
Social mobility, or the ability to change one’s social standing, is constrained by systemic factors. For example, legacy admissions in elite universities favor affluent families, perpetuating intergenerational privilege. Additionally, wage disparities by race and gender illustrate structural inequalities that undermine the ideal of meritocracy. According to Griffiths and Keirns, societal processes like socialization and discrimination shape individuals’ opportunities, contradicting the meritocratic ideal.
Question Three: Addressing Prejudice and Structural Racism
Prejudice refers to preconceived beliefs and attitudes about a group, while discrimination involves actions based on those prejudices. Addressing individual prejudice without tackling institutional and structural racism allows systemic inequities to persist.
Institutional racism occurs when discriminatory practices are embedded within societal institutions, such as education, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. For example, racial profiling in law enforcement disproportionately targets Black and Latino individuals, leading to higher arrest and incarceration rates. Similarly, housing policies have historically segregated communities, restricting access to resources for marginalized groups.
By focusing solely on individuals’ biases, society overlooks broader systems of oppression. Institutional racism perpetuates inequality through policies and practices that disadvantage certain groups. For instance, addressing implicit biases among teachers is insufficient if schools in predominantly minority neighborhoods remain underfunded. Tackling structural racism requires systemic reforms, such as equitable resource allocation and anti-discrimination policies.
Colorism, a subset of racism, highlights biases within racial groups, where lighter skin tones are often favored over darker ones. Addressing both individual and institutional factors is essential to dismantle these hierarchies and promote equity.
Question Four: Sexual Orientation and Sociological Perspectives
Sexual orientation encompasses an individual’s emotional, physical, and romantic attraction to others, including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality. Sociological perspectives provide contrasting views on the origins and implications of sexual orientation.
Structural-functionalism views heterosexuality as essential for societal stability and continuity through procreation. From this perspective, homosexuality is seen as potentially disruptive if it becomes widespread, as it challenges traditional family structures and reproductive roles. Functionalists argue that deviations from heterosexual norms should be minimized to maintain societal equilibrium.
In contrast, queer theory challenges binary categorizations of sexuality and gender, emphasizing fluidity and the social construction of identities. Queer theorists argue that societal norms privilege heterosexuality, marginalizing other sexual orientations. They advocate for the acceptance of diverse identities and the dismantling of hierarchies that privilege certain sexual orientations.
The growing acceptance of same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights exemplifies the shift from structural-functionalist constraints to a more inclusive understanding of sexual orientation. Queer theorists highlight the importance of recognizing individuals’ autonomy in defining their identities, advocating for a society where all orientations are valued equally.
Question Five: The Role of Rituals in Religious Traditions
Religious rituals are repetitive, symbolic actions that express and reinforce belief systems. They serve multiple purposes, including fostering community cohesion, marking significant life events, and facilitating spiritual connection. Rituals often occur during pivotal moments, such as birth, marriage, death, or religious holidays, providing structure and meaning to communal and individual experiences.
In Buddhism, meditation rituals promote mindfulness and personal responsibility, helping practitioners achieve spiritual enlightenment. Islamic rituals like daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca emphasize discipline, devotion, and community solidarity. For example, the Hajj pilgrimage symbolizes unity among Muslims worldwide, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
In Christianity, rituals like baptism and communion commemorate foundational beliefs and foster spiritual growth. Singing and clapping during worship services enhance emotional engagement, while saying grace before meals cultivates gratitude.
Religious rituals often address existential questions, offering comfort and guidance during times of uncertainty. They also reinforce social order by embedding shared values and norms within communities. For example, the Ten Commandments in Christianity provide ethical guidelines, promoting behaviors that align with societal ideals.
In summary, rituals are central to religious traditions, shaping individual identities and collective experiences. They provide continuity, meaning, and a sense of belonging, reinforcing the values and beliefs that define a religious community.