Harry Davis Jr Essays - Sociology, Philosophy, Humanities

Harry Davis Jr Essays - Sociology, Philosophy, Humanities Harry Davis Jr Final Exam Dr. Thomas Emile Durkheim Emile Durkheim believed in functionalism which is the perspective that is largely based on the work of Durkheim. According to functionalism society is a system of interconnected parts that that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium. Functionalist emphasizes the interconnectedness of society by focusing on how each part can influence another. Division of Labor (mechanical solidarity, organic solidarity) Mechanical Solidarity- is the sense of togetherness in a society that arises when people, performing similar work, share similar experiences, customs, values, and beliefs. Sociologist Emile Durkheim coined the term in 1893 to explain what keeps some kinds of societies together, or put another way, why a society does not fragment. Durkheim says it connects the individual to society without any intermediary. Society is organized collectively and all members of group share the same belief. Organic Solidarity- Organic solidarity is social unity b ased on a division of labor that results in people depending on each other; it contrasts with mechanical solidarity. In sociology, organic solidarity explains what binds technologically advanced, industrialized societies together. Society is a system of different functions that are united by definite relationships. Karl Marx Karl Marx was raised by jews and converted to Luthernaism and he is also the founder of communism. Capitalism System of government is democratic, property is privately owned and driven by free enterprise. Wealth is distributed unevenly, education and health care provided by private entities. Freedom of the press Class distinctions: upper class, middle class and working class Focus is on the individual and his/her own progress in life. While communism is a system of government is totalitarian, property is owned by the state with no free enterprise is allowed. Wealth is distributed equally, education and health care provided by the state and press controlled and owned by the state classless society: all members of society are considered to be equal Focus is on the progress of the community as a whole. Karl Marx also believed in Marxism which is; the economic and political theory and practice originated by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that holds that actions and human institutions are economically determined, that the class struggle is the basic agency of historical change, and that capitalism will ultimately be superseded by communism. Marx moral critique of capitalism began with his idea of alienation. The system of capitalism makes work become increasingly dehumanizing. Karl Marx was a philosopher who believed that capitalism was flawed and the socialist economic approaches would yield better results. Max Weber Max Weber is a German sociologist best known for his combining of economic sociology and the sociology of religion. He was associated with the rise in the Western Protestantism was one of the major elective affinities associated with the rise in western world of market, Max Weber was a strong beli ever in the sociological perspective which is the study of human life and social interactions as well as these interactions shape group and society as a whole. This perspective views society as a prouct created by humans that can be changed. He also came up with beaucracy which has six steps 1. A formal hierarchical structure " Each level controls the level below and is controlled by the level above. A formal hierarchy is the basis of central planning and centralized decision making. " 2. Management by rules " Controlling by rules allows decisions made at high levels to be executed consistently by all lower levels. " 3. Organ ization by functional spe cialty " Work is to be done by specialists, and people are organized into units based on the type of work they do or skills they have. " 4. An "up-f ocused" or "in-focused" mission " If the mission is described as "up-focused," then the organization's purpose is to serve the stockholders, the board, or whatever agency empowered it. " 5. Purposely impersona l " The idea is to treat all employees equally and customers equally, and not be influenced by individual differences. " 6. Employment ba sed on technical qualifications " The bureaucratic form, according to Parkinson, has another attribute. "