Human Beings as the Puppets of Society

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Human Beings as the Puppets of Society

Sociologists have long argued about whether or not we are controlled

by the structure of the society in which we live, in other words, are

we or are we not ‘puppets of society’. Social structure theorists

such as Functionalists and conflict theorists like Marxists, believe

that we are ‘puppets’ and that our behaviour is controlled by the

structure of the society in which we live. Both theories suggest that

people are controlled by society but this argument is opposed by

social action theorists such as Symbolic Interactionists who believe

that society is created by the individuals themselves. To show far it

can be argued that human beings are ‘puppets of society’ this essay

will look at functionalism and social control through the family,

Marxism and social control within the education system and then look

at the opposing theory of Symbolic Interactionism. It is also

intended to discuss the recent structuration theory of Giddens who

argues that these theories are no longer valid in determining if we

are ‘puppets’ because both structure and action are necessary for

society to exist and thus in some instances in our lives we are

‘puppets’ and others we are not.

According to Jones, Functionalists like Durkheim consider ‘human

behaviour as learned behaviour’(2004, p.6), in other words everything

we know and do has to be taught to us given that when we are born we

have no knowledge of anything. They argue that all our behaviour is

learnt through the socialisation process. Functionalists consider

that primary socialisation is the basis to learning the norms, values

and roles of society and...

... middle of paper ...

...eeded, so it could be argued, therefore, that even

though at times we are free agents and have an individual choice in

our actions we are also ‘puppets of society’ because of the many of

the structures of society.

References List

Czerniawski, G., 2004. What is the Role of Education? Sociology

Review, 14 (2), 24-25

Giddens, A., 2002. Sociology. 4th ed. Polity Press

Jones, P., 2004. Introducing Social Theory. Cambridge: Polity Press

Wilson, A., 1985. Society Now: Family. London: Tavistock Publications

Bibliography

Moore, S., 2001. Sociology Alive. 3rd ed. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes

Ltd

Haralambos and Holborn, 2000. Sociology Themes and Perspectives. 5th

ed. London: Collins Educational

Bauman Z & May T., 2003. Thinking Sociologically. 2nd ed. London:

Blackwell Publishing Ltd

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