SOC 233 Lecture Notes - The American Soldier, Family Reunion, Reference Group
Document Summary
Attempted to address the limitations of other theorizers. Maintenance of stability: manifest functions: institutions were the functions are open, state, conscious and deliberate functions, latent functions: unconscious or unattended functions of an institution. Latent function essential for creating a group identity and sentiment; way to unite individuals. Manifest function to share a support a couple as they unite. Latent function family reunion; the only time you see relatives. Latent function relationship broker; learning to live on your own. Reference group(s): any and all groups that influence the attitudes and behaviour of individuals. Individuals will compare themselves with references groups which they aspire to become. How you see yourself is based upon the group to which you compare yourself. Studied relative deprivation and contradictions/feelings of satisfaction of different soldiers at different levels. Deprivation and satisfaction were defined depending on where they were structurally within the system.
