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Sociological Perspectives

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Sociological Perspectives
Introduction
In this assignment, I shall be exploring two factors of sociology and linking them with two sociological perspectives. The two factors that will be discussed are family and crime, which will each be linked to Functionism and Marxism. This will offer a comparative and contrasting view, to highlight differences between sociological views. The factors and perspectives will be presented using past theories to support each aspect of this discussion.
As a factor, family plays a crucial role in the development and socialisation of an individual. It teaches them the norms and the social role that they will be expected to fulfil. Murdock (1949), a functionalist, described family as “a universal social institution found in all societies” …show more content…
Marxism views the appearance of consensus as nothing more than an imitation. It has the purpose of concealing the reality of the capitalist class and determining the shape of the superstructure by imposing its will upon the working class. It exploits this part of society for profit, supporting the belief that the law is selective in its deliverance of punishment.
Gordon (1976) argues that, ‘crime is a rational response to capitalism and therefore is found in all class’. Regardless of the previous argument, it is due to the social control that statistics show the pattern of crime mostly involves primary perpetrators are from urban areas (lower classes). However, some may argue that due to labelling and classification, individuals will act according to their label. Crime is committed by all classes; the bourgeoisie class simply use their influence of position and power to divert the blame to lesser classes.
In general, Marxists view the function of crime to be a form of social control. Proletariat are constantly in a struggle of inequality, attempting to free themselves from the domineering control of bourgeoisie …show more content…
Buckingham: Philadeplhia. Retrieved from https://openlibrary.org/works/OL3745355W/Howard_Becker_on_education.
Becker, Howard & Boskoff (1957) ‘Modern sociological theory; in continuity and change’. Toronto. Retrieved from https://openlibrary.org/works/OL3256816W/Modern_sociological_theory_in_continuity_and_change._Ed._by_Howard_Becker_and_Alvin_Boskoff
Fry,A. (2013) ‘ Introduction to Sociology’, Sociolisation. Kingston College. Unpublished.
Lansdell, C. (2013) ‘The Functions of family and recent changes in society’, Sociolisation. Kingston College. Unpublished.
Murdock, George Peter (1949). Social Structure. New York: The MacMillan Company. Retrieved from https://archive.org/stream/socialstructure00murd#page/n5/mode/2up
Parsons, T. (2011) ‘The Three Stages of Socialisation’ 4th March 2011. Available at http://sociologyblog-parsons.blogspot.co.uk/
Plummer, K (2012) ‘Labelling Theory’ Essex; University of Essex. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.1086/210295?uid=3738032&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&sid=21103212403393
Socialisation (2013) Available at: http://sociology.about.com/od/R_Index/g/Resocialization.htm(Accessed: 15th September
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