Structural Functionalism Essay Example

Structural Functionalism Paper STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM: IT’S ROLE IN COMMUNICATION Structural functionalism  is a broad perspective in  sociology  and  anthropology  which sets out to interpret society as a  structure  with interrelated parts. Functionalism addresses society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements; namely  norms,  customs,  traditions  and  institutions. A common analogy, popularized by  Herbert Spencer, presents these parts of society as organs that work toward the proper functioning of the body as a whole. 1]  In the most basic terms, it simply emphasizes the effort to impute, as rigorously as possible, to each feature, custom, or practice, its effect on the functioning of a supposedly stable, cohesive system. For  Talcott Parsons, structural-functionalism came to describe a particular stage in the methodological development of social science, rather than a specific school of thought. [2][3] Classical functionalist theories are defin ed by a tendency towards biological analogy and notions of  social evolutionism: Functionalist thought, from Comte onwards, has looked particularly towards biology as the science providing the closest and most compatible model for social science. Biology has been taken to provide a guide to conceptualizing the structure and the function of social systems and to analysing processes of evolution via mechanisms of adaptation functionalism strongly emphasises the pre-eminence of the social world over its individual parts (i. . its constituent actors, human subjects). —  Anthony Giddens  The Constitution of Society  1984,  [4] Whilst one may regard functionalism as a logical extension of the organic analogies for society presented by  political philosophers  such as  Rousseau, sociology draws firmer attention to those institutions unique to industrialised capitalist society (or  modernity). Functionalism also has an anthropological basis in the work of theorists such as  Marcel Mauss,  Bronislaw Malinowski  and  Radcliffe-Brown. It is in Radcliffe-Browns specific usage that the prefix structural emerged. 5] Durkheim proposed that most stateless, primitive societies, lacking strong centralised institutions, are based on an association of corporate-descent groups. Structural functionalism also took on Malinowskis argument that the basic building block of society is the  nuclear family, and that the  clan  is an outgrowth, not vice versa. Durkheim was concerned with the question of how certain societies maintain internal stability and survive over time. He proposed that such societies tend to be segmented, with equivalent parts held together by shared values, common symbols or, as his nephew Marcel Mauss held, systems of exchanges. In modern, complicated societies, members perform very different tasks, resulting in a strong interdependence. Based on the  metaphor  above of an organism in which many parts function together to sustain the whole, Durkheim argued that complicated societies are held together by organic  solidarity. These views were upheld by Radcliffe-Brown, who, following Comte, believed that society constitutes a separate level of reality, distinct from both biological and inorganic matter. Explanations of social phenomena had therefore to be constructed within this level, individuals being merely transient occupants of comparatively stable social roles. The central concern of structural functionalism is a continuation of the Durkheimian task of explaining the apparent stability and internal cohesion needed by societies to endure over time. Societies are seen as coherent, bounded and fundamentally relational constructs that function like organisms, with their various parts (or social institutions) working together in an unconscious, quasi-automatic fashion toward achieving an overall social equilibrium. All social and cultural phenomena are therefore seen as functional in the sense of working together, and are effectively deemed to have lives of their own. We will write a custom essay sample on Structural Functionalism specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Structural Functionalism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Structural Functionalism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer They are primarily analyzed in terms of this function. The individual is significant not in and of himself but rather in terms of his status, his position in patterns of social relations, and the behaviours associated with his status. The social structure, then, is the network of statuses connected by associated roles. It is simplistic to equate the perspective directly with political  conservativism. [6]  The tendency to emphasise cohesive systems, however, leads functionalist theories to be contrasted with conflict theories which instead emphasise social problems and inequalities. Radcliffe-Brown’s theory can be applied even to the modern age communication, where the overall society can be seen as com prising of several components, like institutions, mores, norms, customs and so on, within which there are several smaller units. A human individual can be counted as a single and most basic unit of any of these â€Å"organs. † Just like in a human body, where every organ has a function, each individual can have a part to play in the bigger body of society, which is all-important in order for the human body to function. These functions can be accounted as a role, which could be based in society, culture, economy or even politics. These roles are very well portrayed in advertising, movies and literature, sometimes even emerging as stereotypes. However, these stereotypes can also be used as a positive role model. As long as this principle is not enforced on any individual unwillingly, and each carries out his ‘role’ satisfactorily, then a society tends to run smooth. However, the threat of misusing a natural hierarchy always lingers, as history has always shown. Vidya Nair PGP1 18081 Section A

Free Essays on FAR 135 Maintenance

Many pilots aspire to fly bigger, faster, and more complex aircraft than where they currently are. It’s this â€Å"always forward† attitude that pushes pilots to the next level of aviation. Does this same attitude apply in maintenance? If so, such things as opening a maintenance shop are the first step. This is equivocal to a private pilot’s license. For some this is all they want, for others this is just the beginning. Such is true in aviation maintenance. The maintenance shop, for many, is just the first step. This is followed possibly by becoming a repair station, upgrading to being able to do overhauls, or possibly becoming a service center for a manufacturer. One possible step is opening your maintenance facility to handle 135 charter aircraft. 135 charter aircraft is often times a way that smaller maintenance facilities use to increase business. What this means is that they work on aircraft that fly charter operations, regulated under FAR (federal aviation regulation) 135. This regulation and all FARs can be found under CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) chapter 14. So what does 135 mean? Why is it different from all other GA (general aviation) aircraft? Well, first of all these are general aviation aircraft, used as on-demand charter aircraft. Since these aircraft are used for hire on-demand they are regulated differently than the aircraft that are not for hire; those aircraft are regulated under FAR 91. As such they also contain different maintenance requirements than part 91 aircraft. This paper is an outline of some of the major differences between the two types. If you are operating an aircraft for hire under the operational rule FAR 135, you are required to provide the FAA an adequate maintenance program for each aircraft on your certificate during the application process. For aircraft certified to carry less than 10 passengers, the FAA has historically allowed the use of the aircraft manufacturers’ ... Free Essays on FAR 135 Maintenance Free Essays on FAR 135 Maintenance Many pilots aspire to fly bigger, faster, and more complex aircraft than where they currently are. It’s this â€Å"always forward† attitude that pushes pilots to the next level of aviation. Does this same attitude apply in maintenance? If so, such things as opening a maintenance shop are the first step. This is equivocal to a private pilot’s license. For some this is all they want, for others this is just the beginning. Such is true in aviation maintenance. The maintenance shop, for many, is just the first step. This is followed possibly by becoming a repair station, upgrading to being able to do overhauls, or possibly becoming a service center for a manufacturer. One possible step is opening your maintenance facility to handle 135 charter aircraft. 135 charter aircraft is often times a way that smaller maintenance facilities use to increase business. What this means is that they work on aircraft that fly charter operations, regulated under FAR (federal aviation regulation) 135. This regulation and all FARs can be found under CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) chapter 14. So what does 135 mean? Why is it different from all other GA (general aviation) aircraft? Well, first of all these are general aviation aircraft, used as on-demand charter aircraft. Since these aircraft are used for hire on-demand they are regulated differently than the aircraft that are not for hire; those aircraft are regulated under FAR 91. As such they also contain different maintenance requirements than part 91 aircraft. This paper is an outline of some of the major differences between the two types. If you are operating an aircraft for hire under the operational rule FAR 135, you are required to provide the FAA an adequate maintenance program for each aircraft on your certificate during the application process. For aircraft certified to carry less than 10 passengers, the FAA has historically allowed the use of the aircraft manufacturers’ ...

Action Case Study Walmart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Action Case Study Walmart - Essay Example â€Å"Net Sales† was â€Å"$405Billion†, operating income was â€Å"$24Billion† and employee strength was â€Å"8416 workers.† (Financial highlights, 2010, para.1). Wal-Mart follows strict ethical and moralistic views in business. Its main guidelines are in terms of â€Å"Respect for the Individual†, â€Å"Service to our Customers and â€Å"Striving for Excellence.† (Our 3 basic beliefs, n.d, para.1). From a strictly ethical perspective, the circumventing of audit standards enforced by Mart auditors, Wal-Mart of the Ningbo Belfa Group are indeed reprehensible and was caught on three different occasions by the audit team. Speaks of the utter callousness with which this vendor views audit was caught on three different occasions; violating minimum wage and hours of overtime rules stipulated by the audit team. While Wal-Mart could hardly be said to be a party in these misfeasance, its strategic alliance with Belfar Group could put it in a spot of real trouble, in terms of being associated with a company with human rights violation record. This could also reflect badly on the business image and reputation of Wal Mart too. Walmart claims to have over 3800 food outlets in the United States and more than 2600 stores in the rest of the world. It has gained eminence as one of the market leaders in the retail trade and has completed streamline and reinforcement in supply chain management network by deliberating its pricing below competitive prices. Thus, it gained a major chunk of the middle class customers; who cannot afford high cost consumer products for daily use. Perhaps, one of the main reasons for the commercial success of Wal-Mart has been the success in online marketing and also its lower price than other brands. Also, it caters the needs of a large lower middle class segment of consumers, who would like to buy goods at cheaper rates than what is available in physical stores. Wal-Mart has attained a tremendous success in catering to this market. The factors that possibly

Comparison of Literature Respecting Fascism during the Nazi Party Era Essay

Comparison of Literature Respecting Fascism during the Nazi Party Era - Essay Example Fascism is: ''A form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation or victim hood and by compensatory cults of unity, energy and purity, in which a mass-based party of committed nationalist militants, working in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites, abandons democratic liberties and pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion.''1 Fascism is generally associated with mysterium inguitatis, or sin. There are similarities with fascism and terrorism, which unfortunately citizens of the United States are concerned about more than ever since the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, which was an example of inspiring intimidation through force. While there are unfortunately many fascist leaders in the world today, many may recall most of all a fascist leader named Adolph Hitler, who was a leader of Germany before and during World War II. Over the past few years, two books have been published addressing fascism that focused in large part on Hitler and World War II. One book, "Austerlitz", which is a fictional book whose main character's last name is the title of the book, was written by W. G. Sebald, who is a knowledge expert of the Holocaust in particular2. Basically, the book focuses on one man's journey through this part of European history and its fascist leaders. The other book, "The Anatomy of Fascism", by Robert O. Paxton, is a non-fiction book that dissects the components of fascism quite thoroughly, such as the history and cause of fascism, past fascist leaders and how they operated, and predicts the future of fascism in the world3. So, what exactly is fascism and how was it overtly demonstrated by Adolph Hitler Fascism is also correlated with evil. One accepted definition of fascism is a political paradigm that involves the implementation of a militaristic and autocratic government. Fascists are also creators of right wing authoritarian regimes. Why is it correlated with evil Because historically the citizens of fascist leaders, such as Hitler, experience the same consequences and human emotions of evil, such as calamity, suffering, sorrow, and distress. This evil delivered by fascist leaders typically and initially develops the perception of total innocence and assurance of prosperity of these citizens when they follow their objectives. Yet on every occasion of fascist leaderships, mercilessness occurs if not coerced by the fascist leaders eventually, such as Hitler, whose Holocaust deaths are believed to be by many as a true definition of evil. These leaders typically use the same tactics as those who desire to brainwash others, such as: 1. Keeping their citizens unaware and ignorant of certain events and knowledge. 2. Fascist leaders attempt to control their citizen's time and environment as much as they can. 3. These leaders create dependency and fear among their citizens. 4. The leaders suppress if not outlaw the ways things were done in the past. 5. Fascist leaders instill new beliefs that they claim are necessary for the

The importance of banqueting and what type of events there are and how Essay - 1

The importance of banqueting and what type of events there are and how banqueting fits in - Essay Example Many guests introduce each other during a banquet and thus one can consider banqueting as a social event. Here you meet new people and make friends. Even the marketers, now days, use banqueting to promote and advertise their products. Many marketers even hold lucky draws and other brand activities during a banquet and all of this signifies the great importance that banqueting holds for people of our generation. A special event is a one-time event and does not recur on a continuing basis. This makes it unique and it basically held for the purpose of ground breaking, grand opening or other significant moments in life. Concerts and job fairs are also considered as special programme because they cannot be repeated or reproduced. Since, special events are one-time events, special management techniques are required to make these events a success. Many people suffer from improper management of these events which kills the purpose of these events. Therefore, planning these events is the key. You need to make sure that you have the resources and manpower to arrange and successfully host the event. A good starting point in the event management is developing a check list of the resources that you need. A written checklist is important because it can be referred to in the future and important details are not forgotten. Once the event is successfully stage, you need to take some time after the event to evaluate the significance of the event, that is how well it was hosted and stage. For this, a written document is better because you can write down the details while still fresh, reducing the chances that you forget your mistake and they might reoccur again. These steps make events unique and fulfill the purpose of ho lding special events. Banqueting fits in any event as a closing gesture, and signifies the end of an event. The food that is to be

The Social Issues Of The Frankenstein Novel English Literature Essay

The Social Issues Of The Frankenstein Novel English Literature Essay The use of first person in the novel causes the responder to imagine themselves in the situation faced by the protagonist; this powerful technique is used to subconsciously force the responder to dwell on the consequences of Victors actions, drawing them into a debate of morals and ethics in their mind. Blade Runner is a product of the 80s where corporate greed through overindustrialisation has severed humanitys relationship with nature. Ridley Scott extrapolated these negative and dystopian views from the values he witnessed in the 1980s society and constructed Blade Runner as a warning. This warning is reflected through his profound use of film noir. From the opening scene the audience is immediately submersed into a post-modern, post-industrial and post-apocalyptic city resembling hell, this scene is an exaggerated reconstruction of society in the 1980s during which time people were fearful. America and Russia were both on the brink of nuclear war and had enough atomic weapons to utterly decimate the world; this potential global destruction is reflected in the opening scene of Blade Runner. This scene shows a hell that has come to exist on earth, an urban city extends as far as can be seen, a scarred world which has been devastated by us. The rising fire columns are symbolic of the fires of hell which have sprung forth on earth through our exploitation of the worlds resources though our ignorance and greed. Asian advertisements floating above the city on dirigibles serve as a constant reminder of the Asianisation of western civilization as a consequence of corporate greed. Frankenstein was composed during a time of major scientific developments; this is evident as science plays a central role in the story. Shelleys Frankenstein is based on the dogma of the Romantic Movement to create a world in which the protagonists desires for the omnipotent powers of God and creation have bypassed all ideas of conventional authority. Victors reflective words: how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, can be seen as her warning of the dangers of disrespecting authority and the order of things. The Tyrell Corporation is the ruling power in Blade Runner, producing replicants that are more human than human, by enabling them to have an emotional capacity. This is visible when Rachel angrily confronts Deckard: Are these questions testing whether Im a replicant or a lesbian, Mr Deckard? Ironically the replicants have a greater capacity for emotional responses, showing more compassion and love than the humans. Shelleys use of epistolary narrative adds a subliminal layer and speculates at the consequences of what Frankenstein has done; her warning is present throughout the story, forcefully questioning the ideas of scientists and science during the Romantic era, this reinforces the dangers of humanitys desires for playing the role of Creator. Frankensteins core completion imitates the Romantic Movements influence on Shelleys ideas, and her criticisms of the French and Industrial revolutions. The imagery of the patched corpse through the lexical chain of gruesome descriptions: his skin lustrous blackà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ yellow skinà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ watery eyesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. shriveled complexion, and repeated use of terminology associated with the horror genre for referring to the monster bring about feelings of disgust for this scientific milestone. This physical unusualness is what makes it initially seem like the monster in society. However, Shelley brings forth a sympathetic response from the audience because the monster quickly portrays itself as misunderstood. The narrative, Frankenstein is one that allows the audience to realise a different side to the story as readers are able to understand the reasons behind the monsters murders, thus allowing further depth in the exploration of the human nature because of the different views presented in the novel. Frankenstein overflows with letters, notes and journals as Waltons letters envelop the entire tale; Victors story fits inside Waltons and the monsters inside Frankensteins. This is an important aspect of the structure of the book as the various writings serve as a concrete manifestation of attitudes and emotions within the characters. Victors warning to Walton: avoid ambitions of science and discoveries is symbolic of Shelleys hatred of the visionaries of the French and Industrial Revolution. Similarly, Scott expresses his heedfulness of the state of the human race. In particular global warming, the development of genetic engineering and nuclear weapons during the Cold War. During this time people were fearful of imminent doom by nuclear war, whilst at the same time fearful of the rapid developments science had made in the field of genetics and the controversy raised by its applications. Scotts warning present in Blade Runner is of the potential outcome if we allow certain actions to be taken without consideration of the consequences. By making the audience realise that by continuing on our current path can only bring about humanitys divorce from the natural world he leads us to ask the question what humanity is and is there a place for nature in an artificial world. Shelleys warnings are enhanced by the juxtaposition of Victor Frankensteins relationship with nature to that of his creation, whereas Victor, due to his unhealthy immersion in science is numb to its charms, and results in his near constant solitude. Frankensteins creation a more intimate connection with the pleasant showers and sunny warmth of spring, and many human qualities that Frankenstein lacks, this characterisation captures Romantics idolisation of nature, cautioning us against the dehumanising effect of removing ourselves from nature and natural order. We can see the reflections of Shelleys beliefs and the beliefs of Romantics in the novel Frankenstein, which looks to the social conventions of the time in order to warn us of the punishment for transgressing into the realm of God. Scott also draws upon the social conventions of his time. The dark scenes represent Scotts interpretation of the darkness within society, which in turn represents the ruthlessness of a material society.

Preterm Birth Essay -- Health, Pregnancy

Preterm Birth: Preterm birth is defined as a baby who is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. In 2006, the infant mortality rate in the United States due to prematurity/low birth weight accounted for 17 percent of all infant deaths (M.Bitler & Currie, 2011). It is not only problematic emotionally for the family involved; it is also problematic financially for both the family and the economy. According to the March of Dimes, in 2009 the average medical costs for a preterm baby was more than 10 times higher than when a woman had a healthy full-term infant (Peristats - March of Dimes, 2009).The average costs were $49,033 and $4,551 respectively (Healthy People 2020).The more risk factors that are identified the more it will allow public health and individuals to focus on specific interventions that will help prevent the occurrence of preterm birth, which is problematic for both families as well as our health care system (Ratzon, 2010). Health People 2020: Maternal, Infant and child health Healthy People 2020 objectives related to the indicators are Maternal, Infant, and Child health (MIC) 9.1-9.4 which addresses reducing preterm births. MIC 9.1 focuses on reducing total preterm births. The baseline is 12.7 percent and the target is 11.4 percent. MIC 9.2 pertains to reducing late preterm or live births at 34 to 36 weeks of gestation. The baseline is 9 percent and the target is 8.1 percent. MIC 9.3 relates to reducing live births at 32 to 33 weeks of gestation. The baseline is 1.6 percent and the target is 1.4 percent. Lastly, MIC 9.4 addresses preterm or live births at less than 32 weeks of gestation. The baseline is 2 percent and the target is 1.8 percent ( Ohio Department of Health). Preterm Birth Statistics: Using CDC vita... ...n of a first or subsequent pregnancy. Most relative to our community and the preterm birth indicator: 1) integrate reproductive health messages into health promotion campaigns, 2) increase health provider awareness regarding the importance of addressing preconception health among all women of childbearing age, 3) develop and implement modules on preconception care for specific clinical conditions for use in clinical education at graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education levels, 4) develop, evaluate, and replicate intensive evidence-based inter-conception care and care coordination models for women at high social and medical risk, and 5) increase health coverage among women who have low incomes and are of childbearing age by using federal options and waivers under public and private health insurance systems and the state children’s health insurance program.