sociology assignment

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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Alliyah Yumnu 251394967 Theoretical Application Theoretical Application Assignment Racial injustice remains a major determinant to the livelihoods of racial and ethnic individuals. In order to comprehend this problem, it can be observed through the perspectives of functionalism, symbolic interactionism and feminism. Each of these sociological paradigms offers a unique viewpoint of how racial inequality remains relevant through patterns of social interactions. Functionalism The functionalist paradigm highlights how individuals play a role in the functioning of social order which is supported by macro structures that give purpose to these individuals. Racial injustice leads to the undermining of society as it prevents many from being able to contribute to it. Promoting social integration to develop cohesion between society members and increased social recognition to ensure ethnic individuals get equal role opportunities are two ways functionalism could solve this problem. Law changes that forbid both direct and indirect discrimination, regulations surrounding fair treatment and proper job compensation are all practical solutions. When fighting against these disparities, all individuals can develop a sense of social solidarity with one another against oppression “Durkheim argued that as the level of social solidarity increases, the suicide rate declines” (Brym et al., 2021, p. 6). Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism is centered around interpersonal social settings and how social behavior requires understanding the subjective meanings people attach to their social circumstances” (Brym et al., 2021, p.19). The existence of racial inequality is built on
Alliyah Yumnu 251394967 Theoretical Application ethnocentrism, “a process of judging another culture exclusively by the standards of our own” (Brym et al. 2021, p.70) and is responsible for a toxic byproduct, discrimination. When individuals hold ethnocentric beliefs and share them, harmful interpretations based on the attempt to make meaning of an unfamiliar culture arise. By actively challenging false ideas about race, using language that’s inclusive, and encouraging communication between individuals of different origins, we can begin to dismantle the negative ideas surrounding race and ethnicity. Education about racial injustice and its roots prove how micro-level interactions can foster macro-level racial inequality leading to poverty, lack of opportunities and suffering. Feminism The patriarchal system creates “barriers to equal opportunity in education, paid work, politics and the unequal division of domestic responsibilities” (Brym at al. 2021, p.21) which creates a false narrative that women are inferior. Looking into racial inequality from a feminist perspective means addressing intersectionality and how discrimination is experienced differently by each individual. Methods to solving racial injustice through feminism include women’s empowerment, advocacy for policy/law reform that supports equality and education about major women’s issues. A feminist paradigm acknowledges that systemic issues disproportionately impact women of colour and the importance of fighting for inclusivity and equality for a better society. My Paradigm Preference S ymbolic interactionism offers clear insight of how racial inequality issues are formed socially, yet also provides fundamental ideas of solving it. Using this perspective allows one to
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Alliyah Yumnu 251394967 Theoretical Application discern how micro level interactions and belief-exchanges trigger macro-level problems that have adverse effects on the lives of people of colour. Education on the impacts of racial bias whilst condemning those who perpetuate it could likely result in the gradual elimination of systemic discrimination and contribute to erasure of racial inequality as a whole.
Alliyah Yumnu 251394967 Theoretical Application References Brym, R. J., Strohschein, L., & Kampen, K. (2021). Compass for a New Social World (7th ed.). Nelson Cengage.