Sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 13

Sociology - Essay ExampleLooking at the daily newspaper and the stories of violence between white Australians and Lebanese-Australians or violence perpetuated against Indian students in Victoria, one senses that racism is an ever-present aspect of the social condition here in Australia. Seeking to explore social social stratification and racism through my personal experiences working in this country, the following pull up stakes discuss this concept with relation to major sociological theories. Following this I will apply the issue of social stratification to modern Australian society and conclude with an overview of the major issues discussed. What have been my experiences with racism here in Australia? Have in that respect been positive aspects somewhat race here? What emotions and symbols ar associated with my racial experiences in this country? How has this impacted your life? What could have happened differently and what would I change about race in this country? These quest ions and many more will be explored in relation to my analysis of racism and social stratification in Australia. I now turn to an analysis of social stratification through an exploration of the major sociological theories (Shaefer, 1998 254-266)Functionalism, one of oldest theoretical perspectives inwardly sociology, focuses on the individual within society and seeks to apply scientific method to the social world. Furthermore, Functionalists argue that society is in fact an organ and espouse what is described as the organic sensation of society. Thus, social systems exist for Functionalists because institutions themselves serve a variety of purposes (re functions). Social systems are homeostatic and work to maintain equilibrium. Equilibrium is achieved, according to this theory, through socialization, where members of society are taught basic values and norms of society. Social control mechanisms also known as sanctions help maintain social equilibrium and keep individuals withi n the social unit of measurement in check.