SOC 101 SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Sharon Raz Ph D

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SOC 101 SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Sharon Raz, Ph. D. “SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS”, BY SHARON RAZ IS

SOC 101 SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS Sharon Raz, Ph. D. “SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS”, BY SHARON RAZ IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY 4. 0

Module Overview ◦ Social institutions ◦ The government ◦ The media ◦ Political parties

Module Overview ◦ Social institutions ◦ The government ◦ The media ◦ Political parties in the US ◦ Definitions of family ◦ Voting patterns ◦ Family structures ◦ The economy ◦ Changes in family’s life ◦ Socialism versus capitalism ◦ Family and marriage through the eyes of the sociological perspectives ◦ The globalization of capitalism ◦ Marriage and divorce ◦ The education system ◦ Religion ◦ The health system

Social Institutions Social institutions are organized patterns of behavior, statuses, beliefs and norms that

Social Institutions Social institutions are organized patterns of behavior, statuses, beliefs and norms that are based on the social needs of a certain culture. Each culture develops multiple social institutions. Some social institutions are universal

Functionalist Perspective ◦ The functions of social institutions: ◦ Creating and Preserving social order

Functionalist Perspective ◦ The functions of social institutions: ◦ Creating and Preserving social order ◦ Providing and maintaining a sense of purpose ◦ Establishing social statuses and roles

Social Institutions (Continued) Conflict Perspective ◦ Social institutions help maintain privileges of the power

Social Institutions (Continued) Conflict Perspective ◦ Social institutions help maintain privileges of the power elite ◦ Social institutions tend to be conservative and maintain the existing social order ◦ Social institutions operate in gendered and racist environments

Social Institutions (Continued, 2) Interactionist Perspective ◦ Effects on everyday interactions, social expectations, division

Social Institutions (Continued, 2) Interactionist Perspective ◦ Effects on everyday interactions, social expectations, division of labor, etc. ◦ Social behavior conditioned by roles and statuses we accept

THE MASS MEDIA

THE MASS MEDIA

Think about your life with no new technology…. . Modern technology is changing the

Think about your life with no new technology…. . Modern technology is changing the way we relate to others Mass media is the printed and electronic means of communication that carry messages to widespread audience

Sociological Perspectives on the Mass Media Today, we socialize through the mass media How

Sociological Perspectives on the Mass Media Today, we socialize through the mass media How does each sociological perspective analyze the social impact of the mass media?

Group Discussion Positive and Negative Consequences and Effects of The Media Kids Teens Adults

Group Discussion Positive and Negative Consequences and Effects of The Media Kids Teens Adults

Functional Analysis of the Mass Media What are the Functions of the mass media?

Functional Analysis of the Mass Media What are the Functions of the mass media? - Socialization agent. - consumption (positive and negative consequences) - Education - Entertainment - Enforcing Norms What are the Dysfunctions of the mass media? - Narcotizing effect

Conflict Analysis of The Mass Media - Gatekeeping - Media monitoring – the “big

Conflict Analysis of The Mass Media - Gatekeeping - Media monitoring – the “big brother” - Dominant ideology - Digital divide - Feminist views

A global village? Today, physical distance is no longer a barrier…. But are we

A global village? Today, physical distance is no longer a barrier…. But are we all in the same “village”? Maybe a “global torrent” is a more appropriate term

THE FAMILY

THE FAMILY

15 Family People who consider themselves related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The family

15 Family People who consider themselves related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The family is a universal social institution. It exists in every society.

Family - Definitions ◦ Nuclear family: married couple and their unmarried children living together

Family - Definitions ◦ Nuclear family: married couple and their unmarried children living together ◦ Extended family: family in which relatives live in same home as parents and children ◦ Household: People who occupy the same housing unit

Family - Definitions ◦ Monogamy: form of marriage in which an individual has only

Family - Definitions ◦ Monogamy: form of marriage in which an individual has only one partner ◦ Serial monogamy: when a person has several spouses in his or her lifetime, but only one spouse at a time ◦ Polygamy: when an individual has several husbands or wives simultaneously ◦ Polygyny: marriage of a man to more than one woman at same time ◦ Polyandry: marriage of a woman to more than one husband at same time; extremely rare

Family - Definitions ◦ Patriarchy: males are expected to dominate in all family decision

Family - Definitions ◦ Patriarchy: males are expected to dominate in all family decision making, they have greater authority than women. ◦ Matriarchy: women are dominating men, they have greater authority than men. ◦ Egalitarian family: family in which both spouses are regarded as equals, they share decision making.

How can we explain the social role of family, and it's change through time,

How can we explain the social role of family, and it's change through time, using the three Sociological Perspectives?

The Sociological Perspectives Sociological Perspective Level of Analysis Focus of Analysis Key Terms Functional

The Sociological Perspectives Sociological Perspective Level of Analysis Focus of Analysis Key Terms Functional Analysis Macrosociological – large scale Society as a system; each part of society is functional for the system Structure Functions Dysfunctions Conflict Theory Macrosociological – large scale Struggle between different groups over scarce resources Inequality Power Conflict Symbolic Interactionism Microsociological – Small scale Face to face interactions; hoe people use symbols to create social life Symbols Interaction Meanings Definitions

The Functionalist Perspective Universal functions of the family: ◦ Sexual control ◦ Socialization of

The Functionalist Perspective Universal functions of the family: ◦ Sexual control ◦ Socialization of the children ◦ Care of the sick and aged ◦ Recreation ◦ Economic production ◦ Reproduction ◦ Emotional support

Society without Family? Consider a society without families: Who/what would take care of today’s

Society without Family? Consider a society without families: Who/what would take care of today’s family functions? Sexual control Socialization of the children Care of the sick and aged Recreation Economic production Reproduction Emotional support

Conflict Perspective The Conflict Perspective ◦ Family creates and reflects inequality within society ◦

Conflict Perspective The Conflict Perspective ◦ Family creates and reflects inequality within society ◦ In most culture, men exercise power and authority within family. Family as perpetuator of gender roles ◦ Family viewed as economic unit that contributes to social injustice and inequality ◦ Family contributes to transmission of poverty or wealth across generations

Interactionist Perspective The Symbolic Interactionism Perspective Focuses on interactions within the family and other

Interactionist Perspective The Symbolic Interactionism Perspective Focuses on interactions within the family and other intimate relationships ◦ Relationships among family members ◦ Division of labor within the family ◦ Interactions within different generations

What is Marriage? Every culture constructs a certain approved mating arrangements. This mating arrangement

What is Marriage? Every culture constructs a certain approved mating arrangements. This mating arrangement is usually marked by a ritual or a ceremony of some sort (the wedding) to indicate the couple’s new public status

Mate Selection Each culture establishes norms to govern who marries whom: ◦ Endogamy: members

Mate Selection Each culture establishes norms to govern who marries whom: ◦ Endogamy: members of the group must marry within their group ◦ Exogamy: people must marry outside of their group ◦ Incest taboo: a type of exogamy which prohibits sex and marriage among relatives ◦ Homogamy: conscious or unconscious tendency to select mate with personal characteristics similar to one’s own

Mate Selection ◦ Marriage based on romantic love ◦ Marriage based on social arrangement

Mate Selection ◦ Marriage based on romantic love ◦ Marriage based on social arrangement

Diversity of Family Structures ◦ Traditional nuclear families. ◦ Single-parent families ◦ Stepfamilies ◦

Diversity of Family Structures ◦ Traditional nuclear families. ◦ Single-parent families ◦ Stepfamilies ◦ Families without children ◦ Blended families ◦ Same-sex families

Trends in American Families o Postponing Marriage and childbirth o Cohabitation o Unmarried mothers

Trends in American Families o Postponing Marriage and childbirth o Cohabitation o Unmarried mothers

Divorce ◦ Divorce rates increased in late 1960 s, then leveled off ◦ Since

Divorce ◦ Divorce rates increased in late 1960 s, then leveled off ◦ Since late 1980 s, there is a decline in divorce rate ◦ aging baby-boomer population ◦ decline in proportion of people of marriageable age ◦ Men who divorce more likely to remarry than women

Factors Associated with Divorce ◦ Most societies today accept divorce as a normative social

Factors Associated with Divorce ◦ Most societies today accept divorce as a normative social pattern ◦ Contributing factors in United States: ◦ Legal changes towards more liberal divorce laws ◦ Families tend to have fewer children ◦ Increase in family incomes ◦ Greater opportunities for women

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Credential societies ◦ Why do you think credentials are more important in some countries

Credential societies ◦ Why do you think credentials are more important in some countries than in others? ◦ How is this related to the type of economy a country has?

Education and culture Every nation’s education reflects its culture Can you think about examples?

Education and culture Every nation’s education reflects its culture Can you think about examples?

American Values and their reflection in The Education System q. Individualism q. Equality q.

American Values and their reflection in The Education System q. Individualism q. Equality q. Materialism q. Science and Technology q. Progress and Change q. Work and Leisure q. Competition q. Volunteerism q. Action and Achievement Oriented

The Functionalist Perspective Some of the function of the education system to society are:

The Functionalist Perspective Some of the function of the education system to society are: ◦ ◦ Learning skills and knowledge Social Integration Cultural transmission of values Tracking and Gatekeeping There also some dysfunctions within the educational system, like: school violence and mediocrity

The Conflict Perspective The educational system perpetuates social inequalities that already exist in society:

The Conflict Perspective The educational system perpetuates social inequalities that already exist in society: ◦ The power elite uses the education system to maintain their powerful position ◦ The Hidden Curriculum ◦ Discrimination in tests ◦ Unequal funding ◦ Family background is more meaningful than educational achievements

The symbolic Interactionism ◦ The perspective focuses on interactions within the classroom. ◦ Example:

The symbolic Interactionism ◦ The perspective focuses on interactions within the classroom. ◦ Example: ◦ A self-fulfilling prophecy – a false assumption of something that is going to happen but which then comes true simply because it was predicted. ◦ Teacher-expectancy effect: impact of teacher expectations about a student on student’s actual achievements

Problems in U. S. Education ◦ Mediocrity ◦ Unequal Funding ◦ Cheating ◦ Grade

Problems in U. S. Education ◦ Mediocrity ◦ Unequal Funding ◦ Cheating ◦ Grade Inflation, Social Promotion ◦ Violence

RELIGION

RELIGION

t 41 What is Religion? A religion is a unified system of beliefs and

t 41 What is Religion? A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices that are based on sacred things, which unite into a moral community

The Functionalist Perspective All religions provide social functions: ◦ Answers questions about the ultimate

The Functionalist Perspective All religions provide social functions: ◦ Answers questions about the ultimate meaning of life ◦ Social solidarity ◦ Emotional comfort ◦ Provides guidelines for everyday life ◦ Social control and change ◦ There also dysfunctions: War and Terrorism and Religious Persecution

The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective ◦ Religious symbols and their interpretations ◦ Rituals and ceremonies

The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective ◦ Religious symbols and their interpretations ◦ Rituals and ceremonies ◦ Meanings of religious experiences

Conflict Perspective Religion as “The opium of the people” ◦ Creates a diversion for

Conflict Perspective Religion as “The opium of the people” ◦ Creates a diversion for people, so they don’t notice their opression ◦ Provides legitimization of Social Inequalities

Religion in the U. S. ◦ Diversity ◦ Pluralism and religious freedom ◦ Toleration

Religion in the U. S. ◦ Diversity ◦ Pluralism and religious freedom ◦ Toleration ◦ Religious participation tends to go up as one ages ◦ 94 % of Americans believe that there is a God

THE GOVERNMENT

THE GOVERNMENT

The Political system Social institution founded on a recognized set of procedures for implementing

The Political system Social institution founded on a recognized set of procedures for implementing and achieving society’s goals Ø Think about the way the American political system was founded. Ø How does the American political system establish and maintain the American goals?

Power The ability to get your way despite resistance We can perceive power as

Power The ability to get your way despite resistance We can perceive power as either legitimate or illegitimate. ◦ Legitimate power is called authority. This is power that people accept as right ◦ Illegitimate power is power that people do not accept as just. It is considered illegal.

Types of Authority Traditional Authority –based on custom, we know who is next in

Types of Authority Traditional Authority –based on custom, we know who is next in line Rational-Legal Authority –based on written rules; we may not know who is next in line, but we know how they will be elected Charismatic Authority – a person becomes an authority figure because of their outstanding traits. Transfer of authority can be problematic

Types of Government Types of government ◦ Each society establishes a political system for

Types of Government Types of government ◦ Each society establishes a political system for governance: Ø Monarchy Ø Oligarchy Ø Dictatorship Ø Totalitarianism Ø Democracy Ø Republic

Models of Power Structure in the United States Who Rules The U. S. ?

Models of Power Structure in the United States Who Rules The U. S. ? ◦ The conflict perspective: Power elite models ◦ The functional analysis: Pluralist model

The American Political structure Democrat Voters Republican Voters ◦ Younger on average ◦ Older

The American Political structure Democrat Voters Republican Voters ◦ Younger on average ◦ Older on average ◦ Lower classes ◦ Upper classes ◦ Minorities ◦ Part of the dominant group ◦ Tend to be liberal ◦ Tend to be conservative ◦ Believe in more governmental intervention ◦ Believe in less governmental intervention

THE ECONOMY

THE ECONOMY

Economic Systems Economic system Social institution through which goods and services are produced, distributed,

Economic Systems Economic system Social institution through which goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed Industrial society: society that depends on mechanization to produce its goods and services ◦ Capitalism ◦ Socialism

Capitalism - Three components ◦ Private Ownership of Means of Production ◦ Market Competition

Capitalism - Three components ◦ Private Ownership of Means of Production ◦ Market Competition ◦ Pursuit of Profit

Socialism - Three components ◦ Public Ownership of Means of Production ◦ Central Planning

Socialism - Three components ◦ Public Ownership of Means of Production ◦ Central Planning ◦ Distribution of Goods without Profit Motive

Communism Economic system under which all property is owned by everyone and there are

Communism Economic system under which all property is owned by everyone and there are no social distinctions on the basis of people’s ability to produce

THE HEALTH SYSTEM

THE HEALTH SYSTEM

Medical Sociology A field within sociology that focuses on social patterns and social inequalities

Medical Sociology A field within sociology that focuses on social patterns and social inequalities within our health system. Health and Illness are socially constructed, they are rooted in culture. Health varies in different cultures

Social Epidemiology and Health The study of the distribution of disease, impairment, and general

Social Epidemiology and Health The study of the distribution of disease, impairment, and general health status across populations. ◦ How illnesses, injuries, addictions, and mental illnesses start and spread

Social Epidemiology ◦ Incidence The number of new cases of a specific illness or

Social Epidemiology ◦ Incidence The number of new cases of a specific illness or disorder that occur within a given population during a stated period ◦ Prevalence The total number of cases of a specific illness or disorder that exist in a given time ◦ Morbidity rate Rates of disease incidence or number of reports per 100, 000 people ◦ Mortality rate The incidence of death in a given population

Health and Social Class Social class is associated with differences in morbidity and mortality

Health and Social Class Social class is associated with differences in morbidity and mortality rates People from lower classes have higher rates of mortality and disability than others Why?

Labeling Theory ◦ How does society labels “healthy”? ◦ How does society labels “sick”?

Labeling Theory ◦ How does society labels “healthy”? ◦ How does society labels “sick”? Are these definitions of health and sickness rely on biological/physical aspects or are there social definitions of “normality” versus “abnormality”?