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JS317Week2part 2

The document discusses different theories of democracy and society including structural functionalism, critical theory, and symbolic interactionism. Structural functionalism views society as interconnected parts that work to preserve stability, while critical theory sees society as groups that struggle for power and domination. Symbolic interactionism focuses on interactions between small groups and how meanings and symbols develop within groups.

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ORTIZ MACIEL MARIANA
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26 views

JS317Week2part 2

The document discusses different theories of democracy and society including structural functionalism, critical theory, and symbolic interactionism. Structural functionalism views society as interconnected parts that work to preserve stability, while critical theory sees society as groups that struggle for power and domination. Symbolic interactionism focuses on interactions between small groups and how meanings and symbols develop within groups.

Uploaded by

ORTIZ MACIEL MARIANA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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JS 317:Justice,

Democracy, and Social


Change
WEEK 2: PART II
INTRODUCTION: EXPLORING DEMOCRACY
Democracy: What is it?

 So………what is democracy????
Democracy: What is it?

 In truth, Democracy is more than just the political system a state has or the simple
act of voting at specific times.
 It encompasses a way of life and an idea that the state is ours to control, not the
other way around.
 But “control” is a loaded word and in the ideal of democracy, we prefer that latter
rather than the former.
Democracy: What is it?

 In order to deprive the state from controlling us and help democracy function as
we like it to, we feel compelled to ensure the state comply with a certain set of
rules.
 Freedom of Speech (including media)
 Freedom of Expression
 Freedom of Assembly
 Freedom of Thought and Belief
 Equality under the law/independent judiciary
 Right to Vote
 In order for “the many to rule” there has to be some semblance of all of the above
Democracy: What is it?

 Overall, democracy is a tool.


 It is a means to an end, not an end in and of itself.
 It helps us achieve a more just and equitable society.
Why
Theory???
The Theories:
Structural
Functionalism
Structural Functionalism: Overview

 Views society as a set of interconnected parts that work to preserve the overall
stability and efficiency of the whole.
 Institutions (family, government, education, media, etc) are the structures that
contribute to the continued functioning of society.
 All structures have a specific purpose, all are needed to be functioning properly,
and all need to be in equilibrium in order for society to thrive.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jOZqVnQmdY
Structural Functionalism: The Keys

 More specifically, all institutional structures perform two key functions.


 Manifest Functions: the intended function.
 Structures are created and institutionalized for a reason.
 They are not accidental.
 Examples?
 Latent Function: unintended and often hidden functions.
 Latent functions are just as important as manifest ones but are not part of the
original construction and design of a particular structure.
 Examples?
Critical/Conflict
Theory
Critical Theory-Overview

 Also called Conflict theory.


 Critical theory arises out of the basic presumption that there exists in society a basic
division between the “haves” and the “have nots.”
 The term for this is social stratification.
 Whether the focus be on themes of class, gender, race, or anything else, there is
always the presumption that there exists in every social institution and structure an
unequal distribution of power.
 In short, it examines the domination by one group over others.
 Society, in this view, is a collection of varied groups that constantly struggle with
each other to dominate society and its institutions.
 There are a number of sub-theories attached to Critical Theory; including Feminist
Theory and Post-Modernism
Critical Theory-The Marx Example

 Karl Marx-19th century economic and political philosopher.


 Unlike structural-functionalists, Marx viewed modern social problems not in
terms of structures that have become unhealthy but on the actual structure itself.
 He asserted that an exploitative economic system was to blame.
 In any capitalist society two broad economic groups (or classes) will emerge: the
Capitalists (or “haves”) which are the elite owners of the means of production,
and the workers (“have nots”) who are forced to sell their labour in exchange for
a liveable wage.
 As the social class that controls the economic system, the Capitalists use this great
economic and political influence to ensure they remain dominant.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0GFSUu5UzA
Critical Theory-The Weber Example

 Max Weber-late 19th to early 20th century sociologist, economist, and philosopher.
 Weber expanded the approach used by Marx, surmising that conflict is not simply restricted to
economic classes alone or to capitalism.
 He included conflicts can arise over economic class, social status, and party or power.
 Weber suggested that we see conflict in almost every institution or structure in any large society
with status groups, classes, political parties, and even gender.
 From this point of view, even a modern corporation, with multiple owners and managers,
experiences internal conflict between sub-groups.
Symbolic
Interactionism
Symbolic Interactionism-Overview

 Focuses on the actions and interactions between small groups of people.


 Daily interaction and how through language and symbols we both grow and
maintain our social groups.
 Unlike previous theories this one does not paint broad strokes on the nature of
society and, thus, is labeled a “micro-theory.”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFQIIM8IRZU
Symbolic Interactionism-Basic
Principles

 Human beings have a great capacity for personal thought which differentiates us
from lower animals.
 This greater capacity allows us more complex relationships and the ability to form
dense layers of social groups based on shared meanings of symbols, language, and
gestures.
 These symbols et al are not static but can and often do change over time to fit the
growing needs and desires of those within the group.
Symbolic Interactionism-Basic Principles

 On a more individual level we can modify these things as well.


 This is the great gift of independent thought.
 Although we are brought up to believe and think in a certain way, ultimately it is
up to us as individuals to actually do so in our lives.
 We are not slaves to our past, upbringing, or habits but free to choose and think as
we wish.
 Overall, this is seen as the basis for all things in the social world.

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