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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page paper examines the strengths and weakness of functionalism, Marxism, and interpretivism. Some examples are provided. Bibliography lists 1 source.
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4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA551soc.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
individual basis. In discussing the strengths and weakness of functionalism, Marxism, and interpretivism, one sees a variety of positive and negative elements. In sociology, the paradigm of functionalism suggests that
different things are found in society, and particularly within institutions, and these things provide a function. This is true even if the function is not positive. Structural-functionalism is an
offshoot of the functionalist model. Functionalism may also be related to systems theory. What occurs in functionalism is that certain things provide a function. For instance, one may suppose that
a mother spanks her children. She may be abusive, but that act of hitting provides a function in that it allows her to let go of her anger. This is
a negative way to let off steam but clearly, the act of hitting serves a function. There are of course positive functions in society. What is the function of the
post office, for example? The letter carriers deliver mail and so the function of communication is served for the populous. One may use the idea of function to determine why
something exists or does not in society. For instance, if one can determine what function something is serving, then one can find solutions to a problem. For example, if someone
wants to lose weight, therapists sometimes ask what they gain by being fat. The individual is stunned. After all, he or she wants to lose weight so why are they
being asked about the function that the weight serves. An answer may be that a woman would not feel compelled to date and would not have to compete for men.
Perhaps pressure in that department is great and so, staying heavy takes her out of the competitive pool. Weight may also serve as a way to be noticed. It may
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