...impact of the personal computer, cellular phones, and the internet on society. Using the three major sociological perspectives, describe the equilibrium model, the digital divide and cultural lag in relation to these technologies and social change. Include how technology has influenced social epidemiology, health and the environment. Explore a recent or emerging form of technology and discuss its potential benefits or consequences for society. Provide a conclusion that summarizes key points. Cite at least three academic, peer-reviewed sources and two popular magazines. Format the paper consistent with APA guidelines. Submit your assignment to the Assignments tab.Write an 1,050- to 1,400-word essay on technology and social change, covering the following: Provide an introduction that defines both technology and social change and discusses how they are related. Discuss the impact of the personal computer, cellular phones, and the internet on society. Using the three major sociological perspectives, describe the equilibrium model, the digital divide and cultural lag in relation to these technologies and social change. Include how technology has influenced social epidemiology, health and the environment. Explore a recent or emerging form of technology and discuss its potential benefits or consequences for society. Provide a conclusion that summarizes key points. Cite at least three academic, peer-reviewed sources and two popular magazines. Format the paper consistent with...
Words: 8845 - Pages: 36
...particular subject. There are however, three major categories in which people might choose to approach topics. The approaches are known as sociological perspectives and are the functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives. These perspectives name other ways in which different people choose to analyze a subject, and how they look at a society as a whole. The following paragraphs compare and contrast the three, and identify major characteristics of each. The functionalist perspective is a sociological approach which emphasizes the way that parts of a society are structure to maintain its stability This perspective looks at a society in a positive manner and sees it as stable, with all the parts working together. Under the functionalist view every social aspect of a society contributes to the society's survival, and if not, the aspect is not passed to the next generation. When approaching a subject with the functionalist perspective, manifest and latent functions as well as dysfunctions are looked at and studied. A manifest function of an institution is one that is stated and expected. A latent function is one that is unexpected or can show a hidden purpose of an institution, and a dysfunction is a component of a society. Functionalist perspective is an approach to studying a society on the macro sociological level. This means that a society is studied on a large scale as a whole. The view of the individual in a functionalist perspective is that people are socially molded...
Words: 667 - Pages: 3
...Three Major Sociological Paradigms There are three sociological perspectives that shape the structure of society as a whole. Functionalist perspective, symbolic interactionism and conflict theory. Sociologists develop these theories to explain social phenomena. In this essay I will explain the origins and evolution of the three main sociological perspectives and listing the sociologists that made major contributions to these disciplines. “The functionalist perspective is a sociological approach which emphasizes the way that parts of a society are structure to maintain its stability,” (Schaefer & Lamm, 1998). This perspective takes a look at society in a positive manner and sees it as stable, when all the parts are working together. With the functionalist view every social aspect of a society contributes to the society’s survival, and if not, then the aspect will not pass onto the next generation. There were two people who were mainly involved in the development of the functionalist perspective. The French sociologist David Emile Durkeim and Talcott Parsons. Durkheim contributed to the functionalist perspective when he studied religion, and how it was responsible for people feeling solidarity and unity in groups. Parsons was a sociologist from Harvard University who was greatly influenced by Durkheim. In return, he influences Sociology by dominating the field, with his functionalist views for four decades (Schaefer & Lamm, 1998). When approaching a subject...
Words: 1128 - Pages: 5
...the evaluation from a scale of 1 to 25. The main message of this chapter is about understanding sociology and how it works in the society. It is shown in the book by going through three main ideas: sociology, major sociology perspectives, and sociological imagination. Sociology is, as defined in the chapter, the scientific study of social behavior and human groups.” It’s similar to the way I’m thinking about sociology, which is the study about behavior of individual or groups in society and how society influences one’s behavior. I think the theory of sociological imagination is the most important out of the three ideas. A recently study has shown that “sociological imagination is an awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society.” (Mills, 2000, p.5) There’s an example about using sociological imagination to explain my observation about the overweight of half or more people in my city or hometown: I could say that from the outside I think they are unhappy from being obese, but from their perspective it is a sign of health (p.5). Major strength of this chapter is sociological perspective: functionalist, conflict, and interactionist. People view society in different ways, same with sociologist. In this chapter, the author was giving a direct approach to sociological...
Words: 597 - Pages: 3
...The Sociological Theories of Healthcare The healthcare industry is a huge social institution that people use throughout their lives. It is viewed differently in every culture and social group. It is especially viewed differently by three major sociological theories—the functionalist, conflict, and interactionist theories. These sociological perspectives can be easily applied to the healthcare industry. Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior and human groups (R. Schaefer, 2011, p. 5). It focuses on social relationships, how those relationships influence people’s behavior, and how societies, the sum total of those relationships, develop and change (R. Schaefer, 2011, p. 5). This helps form many theories of the development of the functionalist, conflict, and interactionist views of healthcare. A functionalist perspective is a sociological approach that emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability (R. Schaefer, 2011, p. 24). From a functionalist perspective, being sick must therefore be controlled so that not too many people are released from their societal responsibilities at any one time (R. Schaefer, 2011, p. 390). If this happens, then it will hurt our society and prevent it from being stable and functional. Sociologist Talcott Parsons, well known for his contributions to functionalist theory, outlined the behavior required of people who are considered sick (R. Schaefer, 2011, p. 390). This was also called the sick...
Words: 806 - Pages: 4
...Applying the Sociological Perspectives Karen Reitz SOC/100 June 14, 2016 Amy Petts Social Networking I have chosen social networking sites to analyze and apply the three major sociological perspectives to. Other possible choices included fraternities and sororities and employer/employee relations. I chose to use social networking sites because I feel that, of the three options, it is the one I am most interested in and can relate to most. Social networking is used by people of many different backgrounds and for a variety of reasons. From keeping in contact and sharing information with friends and relatives, to promoting a business, organization, product, or service, to networking for employment, social networking has proven to be very useful for its intended purpose. At the same time, it has also proven to cause many problems for individuals, businesses, or organizations. Functionalism The sociological perspective of functionalism incorporates the ideas that each part of society has a need for the others and that is how and why the society is able to function. Social networking supports this idea by allowing everyone to stay in contact with each other. Different societies from all over the world are able to instantly connect and communicate with others. In addition, we are able to immediately share information with others. This rapid pace of contact and communication allows us as different individuals, groups, cultures, and backgrounds to learn, grow, and...
Words: 292 - Pages: 2
...SociologySOCI 212: Social ProblemsCredit Hours: Three (3)Course Length: Eight (8) WeeksPrerequisite(s): None | Table of Contents | | Evaluation Procedures | Course Description | Grading Scale | Course Scope | Course Outline | Course Objectives | Policies | Course Delivery Method | Academic Services | Course Materials | Selected Bibliography | Table of Contents Course Description (Catalog) | This course examines a diverse sample of social problems facing the United States today, and it identifies how these problems affect and are affected by our institutions and culture. The sociological perspective and key theories will be used to understand the beginnings of the civil society, how problems develop and are defined, and the role of social change (particularly contemporary technological innovation). Key social problems covered will include social stratification/inequality, crime, drug abuse, prostitution, aging, infectious disease, family violence, health care, racial/ethnic conflict, terrorism, etc. Sociological research on social problems will be explored, and social policies to remedy the negative consequences of these issues on society will be discussed. Table...
Words: 5821 - Pages: 24
...INSTRUCTIONS apply these ideas to Marvin’s case. Describe what4 sociological (not psychological or medical) Factors could have contributed to the obesity that led to Mr. Walter’s heart attack, AND explain how each of these structural and/or cultural factors shaped his health outcome. From my perspective, you could complete the assignment in four Concise, well-thought out sentences. But more explanation is also good. Take the approach that works best for you. Either way, make sure you understand the sociological perspective, and how it differs from the psychological viewpoint, before you start PEOPLE AT THE TRUCKING COMPANY were saddened to learn of the death of Marvin Walters, who had been a company driver for more than thirty -five years. Marvin was well liked, and he had a reputation for being a safe operator who had never had a driving accident. But most were not surprised to learn of his death. Over the last few years, Marvin had called in sick a number of days. Then, last spring, he suffered a stroke and was rushed from his home to a nearby hospital, where doctors performed coronary bypass surgery. He hung on for several months after the operation, but then his health rapidly declined. One close friend was heard to say that it was a shame when a man dies like that at age sixty-three but, after all, look at how he lived. One close friend was heard to say that it was a shame when a man dies like that at age sixty-three but, after all, look at how he lived. As long as anyone could...
Words: 777 - Pages: 4
...MAKASA COMP NO: 14129965 COURSE: SOCIOLOGY 1110 LECTURE: MRS NTASHALA TUTOR: MR MWILA LUDAMO TUTORIAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 18-19HRS TASK: ASSIGNMENT ONE DUE DATE: 28TH January, 2015 QUESTION: Discuss the three Main Perspectives in Sociology and indicate their usefulness in Contemporary society? The nature of this essay is to discuss the three main perspectives in sociology and indicate their usefulness in contemporary society. The essay will first start with the definition of the term sociology and the term perspective. Later the essay will identify the three main sociological perspectives which are the key concepts of this essay. And a conclusion will be drawn at the end of this essay. The term sociology can be dated back in 1840. It was a word introduced by the French philosopher and the father of positivism (the use of scientific method in observing and studying social behavior). Auguste Comte (1789-1857) is considered to be the founder of the term sociology used to describe a new way of looking at the society. Therefore sociology can be defined as a scientific way of thinking about society and its influence on human groups (Taylor 2011). Perspectives in sociology provides us with different mindset in which we feel and see the world for example, a musician in America would rather sing about our great and wonderful the Lord is than sing about poverty and genocide, this is because the...
Words: 1614 - Pages: 7
...GROUPS Objectives Discuss the social construction of reality. Distinguish between sociological perspectives. Develop a sociological imagination. Identify components of social groups and organizations. Materials Readings for Week One: EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 1 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 3 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 5 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 12 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. ARTICLE: Week One Electronic Reserve Readings Assessment Individual Assignment: Social Group Worksheet Martix Resource: Social Group Worksheet Matrix Complete the Social Group Worksheet using your sociological imagination to identify and describe the relationship between yourself and the other members of any social group of your choice. Submit the Social Group Worksheet Matrix. Social Group Matrix Refer to your course syllabus for additional instructions on individual and learning team assignments. WEEK 2 - TOPIC 1: SCIENCE OF SOCIOLOGY Objectives Apply the steps of the scientific method. Compare major research designs. Explain ethical issues in sociological research. Materials Readings for Week Two: EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 2 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. ARTICLE: Week Two Electronic Reserve Readings Assessment Scientific Method Matrix WEB LINK: Video: Three Cups of Tea Video Transcript: Three Cups of Tea WEB LINK: Video: Northern Exposure Video Transcript: Northern Exposure ...
Words: 375 - Pages: 2
...Major Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences Sociology: the scientific study of the development, structure and functioning of human society (Oxford). When the topic of discussion is sociology, Auguste Comte, the “father of positivism” would come to mind, as it was he who first coined the term “sociology” (Kreis, 2009). Comte also emphasized that the study of society must be scientific and he pushed sociologists to employ the use of qualitative methods such as observation, historical comparative analysis and experimentation. Sociological Perspective is the way in which we view sociological phenomena (Long, 2011). Among the many perspectives that exist there are three theoretical perspectives that are widely acknowledged by sociologists, these are the symbolic-interactionist perspective, conflict perspective and functionalist perspective. The analysis of social phenomenon occurs at varying levels by one of the three main theoretical perspectives or paradigms which provide sociologists with an orienting position or rather a philosophical position used to guide their questions about a society and its inhabitants. These phenomena range from evident interpretations to sweeping generalizations of society and its social behavior. Everything is studied from specific events straight up to the “big picture”, this would include the micro levels and macro levels of a society’s social patterns. The origin of the symbolic-interactionist theory traces back to...
Words: 2448 - Pages: 10
...COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is an introduction to the set of perspectives on human life that allows us to understand how our personal lives are affected by our place in society. It explores ways of looking at the world that allow us to understand how the events and experiences of our lives are part of group dynamics, of social institutions, and of cultural meanings. It allows us to see personal events and meanings as affected by historical forces and to see how historical events may be shaped by personal choices. Week 1 - Topic 1: Sociology and Social Groups Objectives Discuss the social construction of reality. Distinguish between sociological perspectives. Develop a sociological imagination. Identify components of social groups and organizations. Materials Readings for Week One EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 1 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 3 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 5 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. EBOOK COLLECTION: Ch. 12 of Sociology: A Brief Introduction. ARTICLE: Week One Electronic Reserve Readings Assessment Individual Assignment: Social Group Worksheet Martix Resource: Social Group Worksheet Matrix Complete the Social Group Worksheet using your sociological imagination to identify and describe the relationship between yourself and the other members of any social group of your choice. Submit the Social Group Worksheet Matrix. Social Group Matrix Refer to your course syllabus for additional...
Words: 702 - Pages: 3
... Answer: D Type: D 3. Sociology A. is the scientific study of social behavior and human groups. B. focuses primarily on how social relationships influence people’s behavior. C. focuses on how societies develop and change. D. all of these Answer: D Type: D 4. The awareness that allows people to comprehend the link between their immediate, personal social settings and the remote, impersonal social world is called A. the sociological imagination. B. anthropology. C. a theory. D. verstehen. Answer: A Type: D 5. ____________ is most closely associated with the concept of the sociological imagination. A. Émile Durkheim B. Max Weber C. Karl Marx D. C. Wright Mills Answer: D Type: S 6. A key element in the sociological imagination is the ability to view one’s own society A. from the perspective of personal experience. B. from the perspective of cultural biases. C. as an outsider. D. as an insider. Answer: C Type: I 7. A sociologist observing behavior at a college football game would probably focus on A. what books the coach of the team has read during the past year. B. a “fan” who has fallen asleep during...
Words: 4557 - Pages: 19
...This paper discusses the way in which sociologists use critical thinking to de-familiarise common sense assumptions about social life while discussing specific terms such as the sociological imagination, empirical data and the social theory. This essay draws upon the issue of suicide among males living in remote Australian areas as a broad social issue apposed to being a private trouble of the individual. We tend to view certain experiences in our lives as a single private issue. However, this trouble can be viewed as a wider social problem. The sociological imagination is a sociological perspective which observes the world in a critical way and makes clear links between the private problems of the individual and important social issues (Scott & Marshall 2008). Anthony Giddens (1986:13) argues that there are three forms of sensibility that together make up the sociological imagination, these include; historical, anthropological insight and critical thinking. Sociologists use critical thinking to debunk every day common sense assumptions about human behaviour and social life (Mills 1959:2). For example; suicide among males in Australia may be viewed as a private problem of the individual. However, a high percentage of these males live in remote areas compared to those who live in major cities (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011, Australian Social Trends, Cat. No. 4102.0, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra), which in fact suggests that this issue in fact is a wider...
Words: 633 - Pages: 3
...ours we face a dilemma of problems. What are these problems? These problems range from drugs to terror and even to homelessness. Over the past year, over 2 million men, women, and children were homeless and this number is sure to go up in coming years. Why is this? No one really knows why but many factors can cause one to become homeless. Losing ones job, becoming ill, and a lack of affordable housing can all play a major role in ones becoming homeless. What exactly does it mean to be homeless? The word homeless means having no home or permanent place of residence. To better understand the issue of homelessness it is necessary for one to not look at it in only one way but from a few different angles. You have to look at the way that different homeless people act and behave in a society; you have to look at it from a sociological perspective point of view. Within sociology, there is not a single theoretical perspective, but many theoretical perspectives. The three main perspectives are the functionalism, the conflict theory, and the symbolic interaction perspectives. The functionalism theory is about social organization and how this organization is maintained throughout the society. This theory emphasizes the importance of stability and integration in a society. The ideas come from natural sciences and look at society like a biologist would look at a living organism. They both try to identify the various parts or structures and see how they work and/or function. In this theory...
Words: 903 - Pages: 4
