![]() ![]() Lastly, if a function performed by a social structure is harmful to society, that function is referred to as dysfunctions- effects that disrupt the smooth operating of society (Nicki Lisa Cole, 2020).įunctionalism and Poverty: On the surface, poverty appears to be a dysfunction, however, according to Durkheim this is untrue stating instead that poverty or social inequality is necessary for the smooth functioning of society. the members of the family) and the latent function of supporting (as per the aforementioned example) the social structure that is the economy and the government. Hence, the social structure of society fulfils the manifest function of supporting everyone within the structure (ie. These are functions that support other social structures. these are the functions that are expected of a family, on the other hand, latent functions of a family could include stimulating the economy and paying taxes (Vibal, 2014). The latent function of a family includes providing financial and emotional support, socialization, etc. For example, one of the societies’ most prominent and primal social structures is the family (CrashCourse, 2017). Manifest functions are the intended consequences of a social structure, while latent functions are unintentional. Proposed by 19th-century french sociologist Emile Durkheim every aspect or structure in society performs a function in society- either a latent or a manifest function. ![]() Hence, any ‘dysfunction’ of any aspect of society is a deviation from the norm and hence will need to be fixed. ![]() social structure) performs a function that is indispensable to the smooth running of said society. Functionalism & Povertyĭefining functionalism: Functionalists view society as if it were a machine, that singular aspect of society (ie. Instead, how the two theories differ and at times build on each other. The essay will compare and contrast the analysis of the two theories, however, the aim of the comparison is not to state which theory is superior. These perspectives aim to look at the structure of society and how the prevailing structure causes or allows for the existence of poverty. Taking this definition of poverty as the foundation, this paper will analyse poverty from two major sociological perspectives. But also because the prevailing standard of living differs (CrashCourse, 2017). The first reason being that cost of living (ie. ![]() This is part of the reason why the poverty line differs from country to country. From this definition, one can go about understanding poverty, not in absolutes but in relative terms, being in poverty is relative to how everyone else in a society/country lives. While the prevailing standard of living, as defined by economist Elizabeth Ellis Hoyt- is not material things consumed but instead are the sum-total, not of things, but of satisfaction attained (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020). Basic human needs include goods that are necessary for survival, ie. Within this understanding of poverty, the prevailing standard of living and basic human needs, while overlapping are not synonymous. Defining Poverty: Poverty is the state of being financially incapable of affording the essentials for the prevailing standard of living (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |