Essay about Emile Durkheim vs Karl Marx - 1216 Words

The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were full of evolving social and economic ideas. These views of the social structure of urban society came about through the development of ideas taken from the past revolutions. As the Industrial Revolution progressed through out the world, so did the gap between the class structures. The development of a capitalist society was a very favorable goal for the upper class. By using advanced methods of production introduced by the Industrial Revolution, they were able to earn a substantial surplus by ruling the middle class. Thus, maintaining their present class of life, while the middle class was exploited and degraded. At this time in history, social theorists like Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx†¦show more content†¦In Durkheims opinion a whole is not identical to the sum of its parts, thus society is not just a mere sum of individuals. A good example of functionalist perspective is Emile Durkheims theory about religion. According to Durkheim, religion in not about supernatural beings but rather about beliefs and practices, which are the collective representations of society and groups. Because Durkheims main interest was the ways in which society is bound together, he investigated the role and the origin of religion in various communities. He believed that a simpler society has a simpler religion. Durkheim claims that, a religion as closely connected to a social system surpassing all others in simplicity may well be regarded as the most elementary religion we can possibly know (Ritzer, 91). For instance Durkheim argues that totemism a religious system in which animal figures are regarded as sacred is among the simplest religious forms in the world. The totemic animal, Durkheim believed, was the original focus of religious activity because it was the emblem for a social group, the clan (Ritzer, 91). He thought the m odel for the relationships between people and the supernatural was similar to the relationship between individuals and the community. For him the function of religion was to make people willing to put the interests of society ahead ofShow MoreRelatedEmile Durkheim vs. Karl Marx1689 Words   |  7 Pages------------------------------------------------- Emile Durkheim vs. Karl Marx Durkheim vs. Marx Introduction: For so many years, authorities from each field have deliberated normative theories to explain what holds the society together. Almost each specialist, from structural functionalism, positivism and conflict theory perspective, had contributed their works trying to illustrate main problematic to our society. In one way, one of the Emile Durkheim’s famous work is â€Å"division of labor† whichRead MoreDurkheim Vs. Marx s Theory Of Law And Punishment1859 Words   |  8 PagesDurkheim vs. Marx Defining law can be difficult to do since its definition varies among various people. Many people see law as standards for human behavior that reflect the deepest values and morals of the society. Others see law as a game which acts as a set of guidelines for settling disagreements in a nonviolent way. From a sociologist’s perspective law is viewed as a behavioral system with the two aspects of roles/hierarchy and rules/discretion. Not only is law thought of as a behavioral systemRead MoreWho Are Sociologists And What Influences They Have Had?1079 Words   |  5 PagesWho are sociologists and what influences they have had? In this paper, we will discuss four sociologists: Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim and George Mead. They are all well-known and influential thinkers of their time who have greatly contributed to the current sociological approaches and studies. They differ in their theories, but all of them have a common goal to uncover the structural and social foundati on of the society. What is society? How does it function? What drives the societal changeRead MoreThe Issue Of The United States Charter Of Rights And Freedoms1648 Words   |  7 Pagesinequalities for the slavery debate. Hence, the arguments put forth will be that the evidence for the existence of slavery is sufficient, however, through the abolition of slavery and the reasons for engaging in certain types of theories by Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim, the moral and emotional discussion fabric connotes the economic salutation. Therefore, the purposes of this paper will cover the following. Firstly, it will provide clarity for the definition of racism and slavery. Secondly, it willRead MoreFunctionalist And Conflict Paradigm Of The Role Schooling And Education1580 Words   |  7 Pagesvalues, role allocation and meritocracy. We have social solidarity when we feel like we are part of something bigger. (Katie, 2015)† Schools make us feel like we are part of something that i s huge as Durkheim claimed†. It does that through the teachings of subjects like history and English. Durkheim noted that at school, individuals learn the diverse skills necessary for work for example Learners start doing same subjects but later on they specialize on something different. Talcott Parsons arguedRead MoreSocial Institutions And Its Impact On Society1602 Words   |  7 Pagesadvancing cultures through knowledge and of helping to prevent socio-economic inequalities by breaking through the boundaries of human ignorance and fear (Palmer, 2008). The functionalist perspective is based on the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton. Functionalism perspective considers a society as a system of parts that work in harmony together. Each part contributes to the stability of society, which helps to maintain the balance within. The parts withinRead MoreHuman And Non Human Animals1791 Words   |  8 Pagespaper presents the view that because animals are considered to be chattel property, various morally-acceptable values play pivotal roles in ensuring the sustenance of harmony between human and non-human existence. Emile Durkheim - The Natural Insatiability One of the ways in which Durkheim explains the difference between human beings and nature (non-human animals), regards how he characterizes the innate morality of human nature. Although his early thoughts emphasized the social nature of human beingsRead MoreThe Theory Of Knowledge Is Power2243 Words   |  9 Pagesimpossible. A second manner to achieve social change is through Conflict Theory. Conflict Theory suggests that individuals and groups (social classes) within society have differing amounts of material and non-material resources (such as the wealthy vs. the poor) and that the more powerful groups use their influence in order to exploit groups with less power. By this definition, in order for social change to occur through this source of means, someone with the best interests of the entire societyRead MoreCritical Theory, Functionalism And Symbolic Interactionism Essay1351 Words   |  6 Pagesonly one theory is applied. For that one applied theory, would only look at the aspect to which it is confined to. To successfully study sociology all three theories must be applied together. Critical theory was founded by the German philosopher Karl Marx (Little, 2016, p. 12). It was originally known as historical materialism which is â€Å"a critical analysis of capitalism that saw the material or economic basis of inequality and power relations as the cause of social instability and conflict† (LittleRead MoreConflict: Sociology and Ever-changing Nature2792 Words   |  12 PagesStrucutral functionalism is a form of  functional analysis. Functional analysis (or functionalism) is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. In fact, many of the early giants of sociology, such as Spencer, Comte, and Durkheim were functionalists. Essentially, this perspective sees society as comprised of many parts that contribute in unique ways to the operation of the whole society.   The way I explain this to my class is to think of a clock. What makes a clock a clock? First,

Diversity and the American National Identity Essays

Diversity and the American National Identity Greed is good, get get get, I want what you have, dont touch mine. This is what a friend of mine said when I asked for his conception of the American national identity is.1 Although this statement seems informal and absurd, it accurately reflects the dog-eat-dog world many people believe to be the American capitalist culture.2 Whether my friend said this with the intent of comic relief is inconsequential. Whether he knew it, the informant reflects his cultural identity. Many ambiguities surround the establishment, formation, and retention of a national identity. To what extent can a national identity be individualized? Does every individual, regardless of origin, possess the ability†¦show more content†¦Hernando defines the national identity as the coming together as one people from a mixture of races, and basically cultures, including socio-economic borders and such. He proceeds to explain that because America is a melting pot full of diversities in cultures, ideas, and lineages, retaining a universal national identity is not possible. Hernando justifies this statement by offering an example of a country where he believes a national identity has been established. He says, The Germans have created a national identity; what do you have there? Germans, people of German descent. Iago, a nineteen year-old Puerto Rican male claims, Socially and economically, I have an American identity. Ethnically, no, I do not have an American identity. A firm believer in humanism and individualism, he considers the concept of a national identity in any context to be irrational. He continues, A national identity represses the evolution of social and economic diversification. Iago claims that he is altogether devoid of a national identity. Is this possible? Can a person willingly select which aspects of a national identity to apply to his or her personal culture? Maya, an eighteen year-old native of India, insists that the national identity is a lot of different people living together and being able to live together. Instead of classifying the nation as a unified whole, like Hernando has, she concentrates on the ability and necessity of co-habitation inShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Values And The National Identity916 Words   |  4 Pages The Role of Values in the National Identity Do you imagine we can identify the Americans’ national identity, via their religion, ethnicity, language, or civil war? There are a lot of countries around the world their religion, ethnicity, or language symbolized to their identity. Such as, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or Islamic Republic of Iran. However, the Americans are considered as a unique society, because the cultural pluralism which has been influencing their lives in the various aspectsRead MoreAnalysis Of Eve Kornfeld s Creating An American Culture 1775-1800995 Words   |  4 Pageswork. In Eve Kornfeld’s â€Å"Creating an American Culture 1775-1800,† many different areas of national identity are discussed, including the beginnings of documenting the history of America as an independent nation. This was especially hard for Americans to create a singular national identity because there was bias in the early works, the different colonies or states were extremely diverse, and many intellectuals had different perspectives on the American identity. At the beginning of the historicalRead MoreAnalysis : Dewey Grantham Jr.961 Words   |  4 PagesGrantham posited for a two way exchange of identity and distinctiveness. The nation does not just impact the South, the South impacts the nation, giving the South agency within the national story. Which is an important turn in Southern historiography, and become the prevailing trend in Southern histories: C. Brenden Martin, Karen L. Cox, and James C. Cobb, even though his is a skewed agency, evidence Southerners operating in the construction of their own identities, even if they’re based on inaccurateRead Moreculture diversity1404 Words   |  6 PagesAssignment- What information about diversity in the United States has helped you better understand or relate to others in ways that you may not have in the past? Have you learned something new about your own racial, ethnic, or cultural history? Trends in immigration will continue to shape the demographics of the United States. What will the U.S. population look like in the year 2050? Why do you think so? What challenges does the United States face due to the diversity of its people? What are the benefitsRead MoreExamine the Claim That Britishness Is Defined by Shared Values1680 Words   |  7 PagesEvaluate the claim that British identity is defined by shared values. â€Å"National identities are only one among the many identities that people can hold†, (Clarke, 2009, p.212). How people perceive themselves and are perceived by others as British poses the question as to what Britishness is and who counts as British? To evaluate the role, shared values play in defining the British Identity it is necessary to examine how it is formed through place, culture, ethnicity, diversity and imagined community, withoutRead MoreIdentity Of American Identity1101 Words   |  5 Pagesliberty, and the pursuit of happiness established over two centuries ago by the nation’s forebearers. Being American is about anticipating change and being provided with the environment to dream. Americans have dreamed of a more equal union, where Women obtain the right to vote and African Americans are social equals. The country’s images of Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller inspire the American dream, where individuals are not satisfied with their socioe conomic standing and have the opportunityRead MoreAustralia Is Experiencing A True Predicament1342 Words   |  6 PagesAustralians feel that the nation does not have a clear nation identity. This failure to do so has left the country in a state of discontent. If a national identity is an idea constructed by modern nation-states to identify real or imagined commonalities in order to unite a population (Flayhive 2007). Australia is missing a national identity, as the country has yet to construct its own national identity. This lack of a clear national identity can largely be attributed to the youth of the country. TheRead MoreMulticulturalism And The United States1726 Words   |  7 Pages The concept of multiculturalism is a very important concept in modern societies, which include culturally diverse groups. Those groups have problems about the unity in the framework of diversity, and harmony in the context of respect for difference. United states and Europe are totally differe nt in their multiculturalism styles. Since the concept of multiculturalism provides us with a legal and cultural framework and social coexistence positive among the diverse citizens culturally, it raisesRead MoreEnglish And Speak English At Home Than The Overall U.s. Foreign Born Population1303 Words   |  6 Pagesin the United States. Without assimilating enough to at least learn English, the predominant language of the United States, immigrants cannot communicate with Americans and will be confined to their ethnic group. Studies show that immigrants that learn and adopt English as their first language are more likely to self identify as being American (Renshon, 2009). Acquiring language skills is a means that helps immigrants become more attached to America’s institutions, to its way of life and its communitiesRead MoreImmigration Of Hispanics And Hispanics882 Words   |  4 PagesNational Identity and Loyalty I selected to highlight immigration of Hispanics and Latinos, since it is a relatively young (compared to the national average), diverse population with many subgroups, with complicated socioeconomic factors, and shares a troubled history with the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006). The largest group of immigrants that came from Mexico has settled in Arizona, California, Texas and New Mexico. These areas of the United States also happen to share a significant

What exactly is an ageing population Free Essays

An ageing population id one in which the proportion of older people is increasing. This group of elderly people are those who have passed the age of retirement and depend on pensions as their main source of income. The old age dependency ration is calculated by (Elderly Population 65+ / Working Population 15-64) x 100. We will write a custom essay sample on What exactly is an ageing population? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Ageing populations are a factor of reductions in both birth and death rates due to technological and economic progress. An ageing population means the proportion of older people is increasing, which causes an increase in the dependency ratio. Social Impacts: 1. Increased pressure on public services – Greater demand for services such as hospitals and hospices, and therefore more are needed to care for the elderly, so more carers and nurses will need training. Some families will choose to care for their own relatives, putting pressure on the, socially and financially. 2. Unequal distribution of the elderly – e.g. Eastbourne has a high proportion of older people and may have inadequate facilities for young people as a consequence, such as bars and youth clubs. 3. Reduced population growth or population decline – The working population may have fewer children as they already have older dependants, leading to a reduction in birth rate. 4. Longer working life- The state pension is low because there are so many retired people, so therefore some may have to work beyond normal retirement age to build up personal pensions or savings, or to add to their income from their state pension. Economic Impacts: 1. Reduced work force- Smaller proportion of the population is working, which may slow economic growth 2. Increased taxes – A greater proportion are claiming pensions and support paid for by taxes, therefore this could mean higher taxes for the working population. 3. Spending – The elderly often have savings and pensions to spend within the economy. Strategies to Manage Ageing Populations: 1. Encouraging larger families – Should result in a larger future working population to provide taxes for better pensions and services 2. Raising retirement age – The working population is made large, so more people contribute to the state pension fund and to personal pensions. People will also claim the state pension for less time. 3. Encouraging the immigration of working-age people – This increases the working-age population; this helps to support the ageing population by paying taxes. 4. Increasing health care provision – Helps to easy the problem of poor health in the elderly. UK Case Study The UK has an ageing population where people over 65 make up a large part of the population. Reasons: 1. Increasing life expectancy – Currently 81.3 for women and 76.9 for men. 2. Baby Booms – Lots of babies were born during 1940’s and 1960’s and as this generation is beginning to retire and there are an increasing number of elderly people. 3. Falling birth rate – There are few younger people, so the proportion of older people is greater. Problems: 1. Pressure on the pension system – Today 60% of the working population are paying taxes to support a 16% retirement age population, but by 2030 there will be 56% of the working age population to support a 27% retirement age population. 2. More elderly people living in poverty – The state pension is not very large, and many to do not have other savings but the working population isn’t large enough to provide a larger pension. 3. Pressure on the health service – Older people need more medical care than younger people. East Devon: It is an attractive settlement for the elderly due to climate, low crime rates, scenery, other elderly people, with a population of 125,000 and a dependency ratio of 53.8%. The elderly are however putting pressures on more pension payments required, housing needs and health care. East Devon is a dispersed settlement and therefore limited public transport causes isolation amongst the elderly who are unable to travel privately for whatever reason. The elderly do however make large contributions economically (the grey pound where in 2005 Â £215billion was spent for particular needs paid by the elderly, such as for travel and leisure), and socially in terms of as volunteers and as carers for relatives who would be unable to afford child care otherwise. To manage this ageing population the East Devon council has put management strategies in place: 1. Housing – Maintained secure accommodation, warden care, adapted housing (e.g. plugs and taps as hip level to avoid having to bend over), and sheltered housing for the opportunity for socialising. 2. Health Services – Cost effective to keep the less sick at home for many deteriorative type illnesses (which puts additional pressures on care staff who do low paid work), and there has been some need for sheltered accommodation/therapy created. 3. Services and Amenities – New leisure facilities to keep the elderly healthy in terms of physical and mental wellbeing, and new social environments/clubs. Charities are also vital to supporting this. 4. Transport Services – New buses in rural environments that personally pick up individuals from their homes to take them into town to go shopping. How to cite What exactly is an ageing population?, Papers