Sociology

Sociology Study Guide

• Political Action Committees (PACs): They aim to garner political influence by makingpolitical contributions. Perspectives • Functionalist Perspective: A functionalist believes that the state emerged as a means to meet the needs of maintaining the social system/social order. The important functions of the state are as follows, according to functionalist theory: o The state enforces norms through laws.  Offenders are negatively sanctioned. o The state provides conflict resolution.  Policies are enacted to do just that and the state acts as arbitrator. o The state attempts to conquer problems by providing directions and planning. o The state works to develop important and lucrative relationships with other societies. • Conflict Perspective: Similar to the conflict perspective in every other area, in politics, conflict theorists proclaim that thestate exists to ensure the interests of the ruling class. Again, as Marx states, all societies, except the most primitive, are made up of two classes – the powerful and the exploited. Various groups use the political process to gain power. Usually, the wealthier group wins, but an ongoing conflict can eventually result ina change or shift in the distribution of power. Models In the pluralist model of politics, several competing interest groups have access to government and have a part in shaping its direction. Sociologists tend to point to the diversity of these groups, rejecting Mills’ view of power concentration (see next paragraph). In the power-elite model of politics, power is held by and exercised by a few. The U.S., according toC. Wright Mills, is ruled by such a small group. The positions these few hold in government, bureaucracy, big corporations, and the military, have given them influence. 5.5 Medical Because of the universal problem of illness, a social institution (medicine) has evolved to help individuals maintain health and fight disease. In some preindustrial societies, medicine is considered an aspect of religion, with the healer being a priest or witch doctor. Health vs. Disease Cultural definitions of health and sickness tend to vary based on a country’s level of wealth, technology, and its ability to meet the population’s needs. Sociologists view health as the absence of disease and the ability to respond effectively to the environment. An illness is psychological in nature

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