Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 772 words written
Opening
None written.
Body
(a)
Karl Marx critiqued Capitalism using the Conflict perspective. He did so by using the theory of surplus value which is generated by production process.
→ Society is divided into Bourgeois(Haves) and Proletariat(Have Nots). → Have-Nots sell their skill and labour to Haves who own capital. → In order to change their capital they need to increase surplus and usurp it. → Thus the production is collective while surplus profit is private. → In order to enhance surplus; either they can reduce input costs or extract more labour.
→ They opt to extract more labour since input materials are also controlled by capitalists themselves. → Thus, it results in a perverted relationship and leads to antagonistic cooperation where have-nots are forced to produce more for the leisure of haves.
Marx further predicts that this inherent contradiction will be the end of Capitalism itself and Communism won't impose such exploitative burden and each will enjoy the surplus they produce.
(b)
Merton studied Weber and evolved a new functional paradigm which took into account micro perspective as well. He came up with concept of Latent and manifest function to highlight the objective intent and subjective outcome of social actions.
| Latent | Manifest |
|---|---|
| - End result which is outcome of action. | - Individual motivation for action. |
| - Macro perspective for outcome is social. | - Micro perspective for individual level. |
| - It explains the functional act. | - It takes into account the causal act. |
| - e.g Hopi Indians Rain Dance to enhance social solidarity. | - e.g. Hopi Indians Rain Dance to attract Rain gods. |
→ His new functional paradigm gave insight into human micro perspective and countered the image of 'cultural dope' promoted by functionalists earlier. → His theory of dysfunctions and unintended consequences further established the study of social action as going beyond common sense since these were neither planned nor anticipated by the actors.
However, sociologists such as Peter Berger criticize him for focus on end results only and explaining the means and motivation.
(c)
AGIL framework was given by Parsons to explain his Grand Theory of Social Action and to also impart function prerequisites to his systems; namely cultural, social, organismic and personality.
A-Adaptation, G-Goal-Attainment, L-Latency I- Integration
AGIL can be applied to Tribal society in India to understand it:
Adaptation - Tribal society institutions such as Panchayats.
Goal-Attainment - To achieve autonomy and respect in society.
Latency - It is maintained by systems such as matrilineal families.
Integration - By social festivals and acts like dormitory.
→ Indian tribals are divided into North-Eastern, Central and Western section eg. N-E- Garo-Khasi Central - Ho, Munda Western - Bhils, Malharis
Although vast differences exist, but they are largely outside mainstream and desire autonomy above else.
They have their own festivals and cultural practices which reinforce their socialisation and social control.
AGIL framework can be used to not only study them in general but also each aspect individually can further be broked down, such as insurgency or economic system.
(d)
Max Weber was the founder of Interactionist perspective in sociology for he successfully explained the role of micro phenomenon in study of society.
Social Action according to him was of 4 types:
Wert-Rational Action described a form where the motivation to achieve the Goal was valuational meaning the end can be some traditional act but the means adopted were rational. Therefore, it lies somewhere between traditional and rational action.
In contemporary world we can see this action due to improper socialisation leading to imperfect modernity. As T.N. Madan points out even love marriages are consumated by pomp and splendour.
Eg. we can be using marriage as a traditional value; while finding love is a rational choice and it ends up in love marriages where auspicious days are fixed and 'Puja' ceremony takes place; hence it is a wert-rational action:
Unless we attain a truly scientific outlook, our actions will be guided by wert rational actions only.
(e)
Social Strain Theory was given by Merton for his study of Deviance and anomie in social structure.
However, it so happens that many sections aren't able to attain these means for
Therefore, it results in social strain and causes deviance and leads to anomie.
To overcome or counter this social strain; individuals resort to adaptive responses:
Thus, we see that social strain is always present in society which Merton uses to explain presence of anomie. However, his theory is unable to explain non-utilitarian crimes and corruption by super-rich who have both means and goals.
Close
Social Strain Theory was given by Merton for his study of Deviance and anomie in social structure. However, it so happens that many sections aren't able to attain these means for Therefore, it results in social strain and causes deviance and leads to anomie. To overcome or counter this social strain; individuals resort to adaptive responses: Thus, we see that social strain is always present in society which Merton uses to explain presence of anomie. However, his theory is unable to explain non-utilitarian crimes and corruption by super-rich who have both means and goals.