Reference no: EM133618677

Assignment:

Looking at any change event that is currently in the news, apply two theories (located below) and analyze how each perspective would explain the cause, need for, or result of this change. You can find change in many news stories, but examples might include a specific political change, environmental regulation, or social issue.

Your work should contain the following elements:

• a summary paragraph that informs the reader about the change event that you have selected;
• two paragraphs (one for each theory that you have selected) to outline how it might explain this specific event; and
• a statement indicating which of the two theories you feel is a better fit when viewing this change event. Justify your selection.

Use at least two different news sources to learn about your current change event. Make sure you provide proper citations for these sources throughout your written assignment. Try to utilize both direct and indirect quotations in your writing. At the end of the assignment, include an APA formatted reference list. Remember to be wary of any bias that might be contained in the sources you select in order to evaluate whether you believe they are worthy of inclusion.

THEORIES

Structural Functionalist

• Looks at how each part of society contributes to the overall stability in the face of so many competing groups and messages.
• Society has to meet the needs (physiological and psychological) of the individuals.
• People can become who they are (and are constantly changing) because of the influence of social institutions (i.e., family, media, organized religion, education, etc.).
• Acknowledges the interdependence of different institutions in society - each part benefits the whole.
• Stems from the work of Emile Durkheim
• Functionalism: Khan Academy Video

Conflict Theory

• Opposing powers or groups are in conflict until the more dominant one overpowers the rest.
• In this case, power is even more important than the function of a group or structure.
• The competition causes imbalance and the resolutions restores balance.
• The power of the different factions ultimately determines social order.
• Aspects like race, gender, and social class play a large role in societal order in this theory - some benefit more than others.
• Stems from the work of Karl Marx
• Conflict Theory: Khan Academy Video

Feminism

• Concerned with both equality and equity between the sexes.
• Examines the nature of gender inequality.
• Comes from the idea that historically, there has not been equality for women in a number of social institutions and stems from the suffrage and women's liberation movements, and more recently, issues such as reproductive rights and workplace equality.
• Often requires a major event to cause change (i.e., World War II allowed women to take on factory work because the men enlisted and were away).
• Expectations and accepted standards can vary widely between cultures and even within cultures.
• Feminism: Khan Academy Video

Cultural Materialism

• Most aspects of human culture can be explained in material terms
• Environment, resources, technology and other material things are the major influences of cultural change.
• This theory acknowledges the interdependence of different institutions in society.
• The development of each society is limited by the resources that can be found in their natural environment, as well as the development of an economy.
• Based on the works of Marvin Harris.
• Cultural materialism Video

Social Cognitive Theory

• People can learn by simply observing others, and this may (or may not) change their behaviour immediately or over a period of time.
• Looks at the goals that people set for themselves and how they take actions to accomplish those goals as well as the role of that motivation in this process.
• Utilizes reinforcement (outcomes that cause the behaviour to be repeated) and punishment (outcomes that cause the behaviour to not be repeated) to alter behaviour.
• Based on the works of Albert Bandura
• Social Cognitive Theory Video