SOC100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: C. Wright Mills, Michel Foucault, Manifest And Latent Functions And Dysfunctions
13 May 2016
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Document Summary
Grand theories broad historical explanations of societal change. Functionalism origins in biology later in anthropology. Examining different aspects ( structures ) of an organism to see its function. Examining societal norms to see their function in society. Robert merton manifest function, latent function, latent dysfunction. Manifest function (obvious function) keep in bad people ( put in jail) Latent function (less obvious function) bring down unemployment rate. Latent dysfunction (causing problems) violence breaks out between prisoners- breeding more crime. Functionalism can produce an overly conservative society. Often focusing on economic (material ) inequality or social class. Social problems can be addressed through reforms. Emphasis on how culture and language reinforce and maintain power differences. Anthony gramsci cultural hegemony value system supporting power structures are seen as normal by those without power. Michel foucault subtle ways that people in power control those without power to the point at where the latter control themselves from resisting.
