WEEK 3: Using Theory and Concepts.

WEEK 3:Using Theory and Concepts.Sarah.kennedy.2009@nuim.ieSarahkennedytutorials.blogspot.comOffice Hour Tues @ 10 (B2/B4).Functionalism (Durkheim, Parsons)Various components of society work together to contribute to the health of the system to achieve balance. Some positions within the system are more important for the survival of society.The most functionally important positions must be filled by the most qualified people higher rewards encourage individuals to invest in the training etc. Inequality is a result of society allocating greater rewards to the most crucial positions.Inequality is inevitable as it contributes positively to the functioning of societies. Conflict Theory (Marx, C.W. Mills, Critical Theorists, Bourdieu)Different groups struggle over societal resources and compete for advantages e.g. power and economic, social, political resources.Inequality is a result of a system of domination and subordination where those with the most resources control others.Most powerful use their resources to reproduce their position and maintain advantages.Elites shape societal beliefs and laws to make their unequal privilege seem fair and legitimate.There is reduced mobility because the less privileged are denied the same opportunities.The most vital jobs in society that sustain life and quality of life are often the least rewarded.ExamplesCivil LawFunctionalists: A way to create shared meaning and social integration.Conflict Theorists: A means to uphold and define a particular social order that benefits some at the expense of others. Academic Qualification:Functionalists: Increasing requirements for MAs is to ensure the most highly trained and most appropriate people fill certain positions.Conflict Theorists: Means of maintaining power when second-level education became almost universal 3rd level became more important, now that 3rd level qualifications are increasing, so is the requirement for MAs. ColonialismFunctionalists: Civilizing, modernizing Conflict Theorists: Struggle for power, and resourcesApplying Funtionalism/Conflict Theory Guidelines: http://people.uncw.edu/pricej/teaching/methods/chapter2.3.pdfIn construction where the Irish tend to be louder and a bit harsh at times that kind of approach does not work in Sweden.The Irish sense of humour is sadly not appreciated everywhere in the world and sarcasm goes over everyones head immediately.While working abroad obviously has its financial perks the same sense of community and team work isnt present. I think this is due to the hierarchy within organisations being a lot more visible here. For example there is no such thing as asking the person beside you for help they go straight up the ladder and this causes unease; the person that they deem the most important is the only person who they will listen to.The working hours are needless to say very different also. In Ireland we are used to a system of clock in clock out and the minimum amount of hours would usually be 10 every day and 8 on a Friday.Overtime does not exist in Sweden and the difference in attitude to work can cause unease amongst people. Irish and English tend to get really involved and invested in a job and will work all day everyday to make it work where as the Swedish work their contracted hours and then go home. This can cause unease as it feels like some people arent pulling their weight.Although at the end of the day who has it right?The main thing that I think I miss is the unity of a workforce and team that can be achieved at home. If you are under pressure at home and you turn to the person beside and ask for help there seems to be more of a everyone helps out kind of attitude where as here everyone is primarily concerned with their own job job descriptions are clearly defined.Hope this helps

Bourdieu & CapitalEconomic Capital:Money, assets etc.

Social Capital (potential resources):Group membership.Relationships.Social Network.

Cultural Capital:What is necessary for success is a whole set of cultured behavior, or valued habitus.Habitus:The physical embodiment of cultural capital i.e.. dispositions.E.g. Street smarts vs. middle-class manners.E.g. Womens disposition to lean-back, not negotiate etc.Embodied:Both consciously acquired and passively inherited (socialization)E.g. linguistic style, self-presentation, tasteObjectified:Cultural objects that are owned e.g. art, dictionaries, certain food/wine.Institutionalized:Institutional recognition usually in the form of academic credentials or qualifications.

Now thinkIf you were the board of management and you had to hire a new principal from the following applicants:40 year old Brazilian outside candidate, served as a principal in a mid-sized school in Sao Paolo for 7 years masters and BA.34 year old Irish Deputy Principal of said school for 4 years - HDIP.

How might functionalism -vs- conflict theory explain the devaluation or non-recognition of migrants skills? why are migrants skills devalued?What processes are taking place? How is this happening? linking macro, and micro (empirical) e.g. Bourdieu.

Essay: 13th April 2000 WordsMany migrants experience a devaluation or non-recognition of their skills upon migration. The sociological theoretical literature provides a number of theoretical explanations for why this is so. In this essay you are invited to explain the disadvantages faced by migrants in Ireland, drawing on empirical studies of migration in Ireland, and the theoretical sociological perspectives.