Effect of the Sanford and Son Television Show using the Functionalist Perspective in Developing Countries (Essay Sample)

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Effect of the Sanford and Son television show using the functionalist perspective in developing countries.
The functionalist perspective regards society as a system of interdependent parts that work seamlessly to contribute to the solidarity and stability of the whole society. This means that every social institution has a contribution to the general stability of the community. The functionalist perspective focuses on how each aspect influences and is influenced by other aspects (Henslin et al, 94). According to functionalists, society's stability is maintained by social consensus which takes the form of mechanical and organic solidarity. Mechanical solidarity arises when people adopt similar beliefs, values and engage in the same type of duties. On the other hand, organic solidarity occurs when people are interdependent, have varying beliefs and values and participate in different forms of works.
The Sanford and Son television show encompass various social institutions that are interconnected. The beliefs and values of the people in each of these institutions affect the stability of the society. In the television show, racial discrimination, prejudice and bigotry are some of the issues showcased whose impact affects the society's stability (Lauren, 121). The show portrays how racial discrimination and prejudice affects the functionality of a family unit and the decisions arrived at by a jury.
The lessons learnt from the television show are of great importance in developing countries since they help in inculcating moral values and beliefs in individuals and social institutions. The developing countries can conceptualize the importance of the stability and solidarity of the whole society (Chalaby, 39).