The focus of this discussion will be rooted in the relevance of the Functionalism and Weber social action perspective in understanding the contemporary Caribbean society.

by ernicej (student)

Graded Discussion 1

Topic: Functionalism and Weber social action perspectives are sociological theories that were developed to explain some of the social problems of an emerging European society. Compare and contrast their relevance and application to understanding the contemporary Caribbean’s social structure.

The focus of this discussion will be rooted in the relevance of the Functionalism and Weber social action perspective in understanding the contemporary Caribbean society. In order to perform such task, the above mentioned perspectives will be compared and contrast as well as their relevance to the region will be outlined in key examples.

The Functionalism and Weber social action theory are theories developed to explain the problems emerging from the industrial European society. It is of critical importance that each perspective is defined. Functionalism is the oldest perspective developed by renounced French Sociologist, Emile Durkheim (1858-1971). Durkheim attempted to show how structures and institutions that made up the social system affected the pattern of social behavior in society. Weber’s social action theory on the other hand seeks to understand how individuals determine and negotiate between their personal desires and the social pressures that largely determine and orient their action. It also tries to understand the relationship between social structures and the individual whose behavior and action produce them. (O’ Donnell, 1997).

Each of the above perspectives heights key elements that each has its personal merits. For instance, the Functionalists have a consensus and states that social systems are constructed of various institutions the most notable the family on a macro scale. (O. Donnell, 1997). They believed that all parts of the family interrelate and if one thing doesn’t work, the whole family will be dysfunctional. In this way Functionalist says the family is like an organism analogy where everything in society depends on each other. Durkheim in his analysis stresses that the nuclear family must include children, economic cooperation, and adults of both sexes and the same residence. With key emphasis placed on the family, norms and values will be passed on as well as consensus will be maintained.

It is agreed that in Caribbean societies the family is an important institution as it provides its members with guidance and moral support. Since the family has a key responsibility in maintaining norms and values that are critical to society’s survival. Again if the family doesn’t fulfill its responsibility in passing on certain important values it means that the society will indeed suffer. One may argue that because the region is made of up diverse ethnicity and groups, norms, values and traditions may be passed on differently. And it is also noted in the Caribbean that there is an ever ...

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Weber may contrast the view that society is constructed not totally based on the family but that it is created through social interaction. (O’Donnell, 1997). Social interaction is the behavior of people consciously relating to one another. In the process of interacting people form institutions. And although institutions are created by people, these institutions in turn influence people.

According to Functionalist considers that society ‘operates” in a way comparable to the functioning of the biological organism. That being said it is critical to note that social institutions function in combination with one another and for the benefit of society as a whole just as the various parts of the human body functions in relation to one another. In the Caribbean society, this can be applicable as our society cannot function each institution operates in isolation. For example, the education system works in relation to preparing a workforce which is needed to generate income. In the region there are various institutions that must work instinct to accomplish goals. For example the police and the judicial system must work instinct. Weber in agreement also sees the need for both the individual and the society working instinct. He also stated that the people’s ideas and feeling have inspired and affect history. In the Caribbean this can be noted in the work put in by the well-known Toussaint L’ Overture who fought to free his people. The Revolution he led changed the course of slavery in the region.

It is also noted in the Functionalist perspectives that, in society, it is practically necessary that some individuals and groups must be powerful than others because only a limited number can take important decision. Thus they argue that there must be leaders in organizations and in society or else there would be chaos. This is true and can be applicable to all societies including the Caribbean. Society cannot function without leader’s people who can make sound decisions to benefit others. Such was seen in medieval times, in Amerindian societies, during slavery and even today. Hence in the Caribbean and the world there are political leaders who have been entrusted to make decisions to better the lives of citizens. In the Caribbean we see that various heads of government of CARICOM, meet to discuss and plan to chart a course forward in assisting the region’s people. Social action theory also notes that in every society there will always be those who are part of various classes. Bureaucracies will continue to exist from generation to generation.

Social change is evitable and both the Functionalist and social action theories attest to that fact that change in society occurs. (Cliff, 1971) Functionalist though, notes that change only occur when necessary for example, various educational institutions may expand to suit the needs of the literate population. Change they believe may also occur through adaptation and integration. Institution may readjust to meet new needs. Weber notes that change occurs as news ideas and invention are presented. Again even here in the region we can attest to the need for an ever changing society. For example in recent past one may need to travel on campus to earn a degree, today with new inventions and innovative ideas one could remain with the comforts of their home and earn a degree.

In my final analysis, the two perspective presented are indeed applicable to contemporary Caribbean societies. This can be further noted in the existence of a class system in the region. Additionally, various religious institutions instill values and principle it its followers. The various educations situations as well as the family play its fair share in instilling certain values that are important to maintaining its rich tradition throughout generations. There still exist in Caribbean societies those who have various opportunities re education, job opportunities while some may never receive such. Various communities will be noted for be part of the upper class and in may island one may make assumptions based on names. For example someone who lives at a community named “ Gutter or Tarish Pit” may be look down upon as compared to someone who lives in “ Castle Comfort”. Persons with certain well to do surnames may receive better treatment than others. In a not shell one may look at each of the above perspectives and make applications to the Caribbean region. As individual who are part of the Caribbean we have to play our individual roles in ensuring that our society is maintained through the passing on of norm, values and traditions. Our institutions cannot function in isolation and neither can we function effectively without these institutions. Our leaders must ensure that they strive for the betterment of all people and that equal opportunities can be given across the board.

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