Development of Sociological Theory Research Assignment (Research Paper Sample)

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Development of Sociological Theory
Question 1
Hello Michael, I am pleased to be here tonight and thanks for hosting me. I understand that the show brings debate meant to help people learn more about the sociological theory. The show has impressed me because I think that people need to learn more about the society and their role in it. I hope that the knowledge I posses regarding sociological theories will provide the viewers with invaluable information. With the complexities that are found in today’s society, the in place sociological theories help people have the knowledge and understand some of the social phenomena in the world today. One of the sociologists who I think made a contribution that is helpful in making people understand the society better is George Herbert Mead. Mend, who made his sociological theory contribution in the 1800s, developed the popular concepts in the sociology theory (Blumer, 64).
The social self-theory is the social conception that made George thrust into the limelight and becomes recognized for his contribution to sociological theories. The concepts of ‘I’, ‘me’ and ‘self’ are the reason why I am impressed by the overall work of George Herbert. From his works, it is easy for an individual to understand how the society contributes in developing self. Before I go on with my explanation of Mead's contribution to the sociological theory, let me explain the self-concept that I keep mentioning. Self is the culture in today's society where people think of themselves. We are living in a society where people tend not to care about other people but only themselves. It is this self-concept that Mead tried to explain its origin (Blumer, 70).
According to Herbert, the concept of self is shaped by the numerous social interactions that people in the society have. The social activities and experiences that people acquire through the social interaction that they involve themselves in help shape their self-concept. Language, games, and play are the three activities that contribute to the development of the self. Through language, individuals can respond to each other by using words, gestures, sounds and symbols. Key to social interaction is communication as it is through communication through which people can be able to exchange ideas and have a dialogue (Appelrouth 41). It is the reason why foreigners who come to our country have to learn English. Communication is key towards social interaction. For people who do not share the same language, gestures are helpful in making them interact. George in trying to make people understand how gestures, just like language, helps shape social interaction gave the story of a dogfight. For those of you who might not be conversant with the story, let me summarize it.
Mead tried to explain how dogs, irrespective of the fact that they cannot be able to speak, engage in a dog-fight. Before engaging in the fight, the two dogs give each other gestures that show their hostile nature. Some of the gestures include snapping and growling, walking around each other as they wait for the opportune time to attack. As the two dogs prepare to fight, the relationship that exists between them is created by the act. The attitude that one dog has regarding the war is created by the attitude of the other dog. Concerning this, the attitude that people have regarding the society is to a large extent influenced by how the society has treated him or her. A person who has been shown compassion and love by the other members of the society tends to be compassionate and caring (Appelrouth 57). Such a person values others and is determined to do all he or she can to make them happy.
The other concept developed by Mead that is helpful in understanding the relationship that exists between the society and individuals is the I and Me concept. It is this concept that can help individuals understand the reason why there are people who only think about themselves and care less about others. The society is nowadays filled with people who are popular with the phrases, “I do not mind what she or he thinks about me”. It is important to note that such a phrase shows how people have misunderstood the notion of the self. However, the application of the concepts developed by Mead shows that such a phrase is wrong. People live in a large social community and thus it is important that they think of others (Furze 26). Living in a single bubble might be misleading as the society needs integration for it to develop. People need to recognize that they cannot be able to live without the others and thus develop life policies that help them live in harmony with others. The fact that there are people in the world who not only care about their well being but are concerned with the developments of others is the reason why we have Americans contributing money that would help feed the hungry people in different parts of the world.
It is important for the viewers to note that I am not trying to impose on them that the sociological concepts developed by George Mead as being better placed to making people understand the relationship that exists between individuals and the society. Learning about other theorists could help an individual have a holistic view of the sociological theory. Considering the theories that they have established to show the connection that exists between the society and individuals, I am inclined into thinking that both Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim would disagree with George Mead (Furze, 97).
For instance, Emile would disagree on the over emphasis that Mead gives to individuals when trying to evaluate and discuss the society. According to Durkheim, the society has several parts that need to work together for it to function properly. Emile is of the opinion that the parts that make up the society need to work together for a particular society to prosper. Similar to Emile, Karl Marx would be against Mead’s idea of isolating one component of the society while analyzing the entire society. Marx advocated for the study of the entire social system regarding its doctrines, beliefs, institutions and social groups. Marx believed that it was unfair to isolate the social components when analyzing the entire social system (Furze 104). Regardless the opinion that the three theorists have in their sociological theories, it is evident that these theories have invaluable pieces of information concerning how the society and individuals relate.
Question 2
One of the things that have been made clear to the American government is the varying opinion that the members of public have regarding social progress and division of labor. The differences in opinions and ideas on the topic have created problems for President Obama to impose his Obamacare plan to the American public. It is with this that the president needs to come up with a strategy that would enable him to make specific changes to the American society basing on the theories that they possess regarding division of labor and social progress (Reynolds 124). The resistance to change, even though is of huge benefit to them, being exhibited by the American people reveal the complex nature of the societies nowadays. However, the incorporation of the ideas developed by Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx would help the American president know of the strategies that he can use to impose change on people.
Karl Marx wanted to give a view on the conflicts that were present between the working and ruling class. The difference between the two parties emerged as a result of industrialization. In a bid of discussing the possible reason as to why there was a conflict between the ruling and working class, Marx brought the concept of alienation. People felt alienated from their ideas and beliefs by the ruling class and thus the regular conflicts between the two. Regarding the division of labor, Marx urged the ruling class to make the division be in a way that it enabled people to fulfill their needs. Satisfying employees while conducting their mandate was one of the ways through which regular conflicts would be avoided. Fair payment and good working conditions some of the ways through which the ruling class can avoid constant conflicts with their employees. Besides, giving employees responsibilities that they are comfortable with in the course of their work is the other way in which employee conflicts can end (Reynolds 133). With this, Karl suggested that the ruling class out to divide work in a way that the employees felt appreciated. It is important to note that such strategies can help the ruling party with imposing changes without much resistance. The other important point that Karl Marx gave regarding the divisio...