Theories in Media and Society Essay Example for Free

Theories in Media and lodge EssayAccording to home(a) academy of sciences (1999) a speculation is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation. In this light angiotensin converting enzyme gets to discuss the Structural functionalist theory and the Conflict Theory which atomic number 18 both theoretical perspectives found in the Media and Society. (a)(i) First and foremost, the Structural functionalist theory is amongst the theories found on the aspect of presidency of ordination. This theory washbowl in addition be referred to as Structural Functionalism, and it has the following assumptions.To begin with, the Structural Functionalist theory postulates or suggests that indian lodge is a complex system whose different parts (structures) work together to produce stability and solidarity.These structures be a part of cabaret because of their fu nctionality in ensuring stability and solidarity. In other words, without their functionality in ensuring these two aspects menti unrivaledd prior, these structures would not be part of society.To add on, Durkheim and Comte suggest that these parts of the society work together like the parts of a body for the benefit of society. In other words, one backside say that these parts ar inter-dependent, that is, they swear on each other to amply serve their purpose.It is important for one to also note that this theory has two functionalities, and these are Manifest Functions and Latent Functions. In this aspect, Manifest functions in this case are those heading consequences contributing to the adjustment or adaptation of the system which are intended and recognized by participants in the system. Examples include education, moral guidance, law and battle array maintenance. On the other hand, Latent functions are those functions that are uncomplete intended nor recognized. In other w ords, they are somewhat less important as compared to Manifest Functions.Furthermore, organization of society theoretical perspectives also include the Conflict Theory. It has the following assumptionsThe Conflict Theory suggests that society is make up of groups that are competing for scarce re stingingces. In other words, this theory states that society is divided or disintegrated into various groups that scramble, if not fight for, these re sharpces in order to survive be it socially, economically or politically.To add on, the employment theory also suggests that causation and inequality are the main characteristics of society and social groups are baffling in power struggle (Karl Max). One can simply say that this actor that the system called Society is patterned with power dynamics, and in those power dynamics are power struggles.Furthermore, this theory also states that this power struggle mentioned above, is a struggle for dominance amongst classes, genders, races, religi ons to mention but just a few. This simply means that in the entirety of society, there is the aspect of survival of the fittest in which the dominant ones survive and rule e realplace the defeated or over the weak.Inaddition, the bout theory also assumes that there is social subordination of subordinate groups through the power coercion of dominant groups. Furthermore, this theory also assumes that the dominant groups create rules for winner and opportunity in society and they monopolize control, power, privilege and authority.In addition to the above mentioned, the participation theory also assumes that the primary cause of social problems is the exploitation and trounceion of subordinate groups by the dominant. A usual example is the conflict within the Ndebele State. It has 3 states, namely the Enhla, Ezansi and the Hole. The original Ndebele people were found in the amphetamine class and they exploited some classes like the Hole for example and this led to a lot of confli ct within the Ndebele society. Hence, it is typical for exploitation and oppression of subordinates to be the primary cause of social problems.One can say that these theories are valid in explaining the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society to a bigger extent. To begin with, the assumptions of the morphological functionalist theory are valid to a larger extent. The assumption that society is a complex system whose various parts (structures) work together to produce stability and solidarity is valid because it shows us that society has relationships, and that in their relationships, they have a goal which is to produce solidarity and stability. For example, the Zimbabwean society, the government in particular, eer stresses on the need for the Zimbabwean society to be stable in terms its economy, and that it should maintain and stir solidarity. These two aspects are usually mentioned by the President of Zimbabwe R. G. Mugabe.To add on, one ca n say that the assumptions of the structural functionalistic theory are valid in explaining the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society. For example the one that states that society is make up of parts which work together like the parts of the body is a very practical assumption about societys relationships. One can argue that in society there are groups of people, for example workers, students, civil servants, aristocrats and so forth. One can give anillustration by referring to the Great Zimbabwe State that once existed in Zimbabwe. Miners could not survive alone because they depended on blacksmiths to make them tools for withdraw and excavating. Thus this simply shows that indeed societys groups which are seen as parts in this theory, are inter-dependent on each other hence this theory is valid if not actually practical.Furthermore, these two theories are valid because they show us the existence of conflict within the society. The conflict t heory states that society is made up of groups that compete for resources and this is very true and practical. A situation like this happened in Zimbabwe during the colonial epoch whereby whites were exploiting the resources available in Zimbabwe which eventually led to the Chimurenga war. The relationship between these two races was very hostile and sour because of the competition for these scarce resources. This war took place because there was intense competition for resources in the country and as such, this war was to settle the fight. Thus in essence, these theories are quite valid in explaining the existence of relationships in society.Society is made of classes that compete for scarce resources and this is best illustrated in the conflict theory. It states that in society, dominant classes oppress and exploit the lower classes which eventually leads to conflict. An example is the Apartheid Era in South Africa. The Boers were oppressing and exploiting the blacks and their re sources. The blacks advocated for equality, through their icon Nelson Mandela. This sour between the blacks and the whites led to a serious conflict which was catalyzed by the competition for resources. Hence one can argue that these theories explain the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society to a larger extent.In addition, these theories are valid in explaining the relationships that exist in society to a larger extent. They enable one to fully understand the fact that conflict is part and parcel of society and that it is sometimes needed in order for development to occur. To add on, these theories also enhance ones understanding of how society is divided and structured. Itshows that society has groups and individuals who live together in relationships, and that in these relationships, they serve to achieve certain goals and objectives like solidarity for example.In a nutshell, the conflict and the social functionalist theory are theories that are very much socialistic and they help one to get the concept of how society is organized, how the members of society relate to each other in achieving their goals and also that conflict exists in society. These theories are somewhat a blue print of how society is organized and how its members are inter-dependent on each other to survive.