Theories in Media and Society
NAME : Vincent Tshuma
STUDENT NUMBER : N0139366K
DEGREE : BSc (Hons.) Journalism and Media Studies
COURSE : Media and Society – IJM 1220
LECTURER : Mr T. Nkomo
ASSIGNMENT :
a) Outline the assumptions of the
i. Structural functionalist theory (8) ii. Conflict theory (8)
b) How valid are the assumptions of these theories in explaining the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society. (9)
DUE DATE : 07 March 2014
According to National academy of sciences (1999) a theory 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 one gets to discuss the Structural functionalist theory and the Conflict Theory which are 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 organization of society. This theory can also be referred to as Structural Functionalism, and it has the following assumptions.
To begin with, the Structural Functionalist theory postulates or suggests that society is a complex system whose various parts (structures) work together to produce stability and solidarity.
These structures are a part of society because of their functionality in ensuring stability and solidarity. In other words, without their functionality in ensuring these two aspects mentioned 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 can say that these parts are inter-dependent, that is, they rely on each other to fully 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
STUDENT NUMBER : N0139366K
DEGREE : BSc (Hons.) Journalism and Media Studies
COURSE : Media and Society – IJM 1220
LECTURER : Mr T. Nkomo
ASSIGNMENT :
a) Outline the assumptions of the
i. Structural functionalist theory (8) ii. Conflict theory (8)
b) How valid are the assumptions of these theories in explaining the existence of, and the relationships between individuals and groups in society. (9)
DUE DATE : 07 March 2014
According to National academy of sciences (1999) a theory 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 one gets to discuss the Structural functionalist theory and the Conflict Theory which are 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 organization of society. This theory can also be referred to as Structural Functionalism, and it has the following assumptions.
To begin with, the Structural Functionalist theory postulates or suggests that society is a complex system whose various parts (structures) work together to produce stability and solidarity.
These structures are a part of society because of their functionality in ensuring stability and solidarity. In other words, without their functionality in ensuring these two aspects mentioned 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 can say that these parts are inter-dependent, that is, they rely on each other to fully 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