Culture, Symbol, and Power

The sociological concept to be discussed from Chapter 5 would be “Culture: symbol and practices”. On the one hand culture is studying daily routine and on the other is exploring their values and beliefs. A person wearing a cross or rosary, symbols of Christian religion and similarly a person attending daily mass, service at a local chapel signify his religious practice. “The most privileged persons on earth use their resources to separate from one another, to buy privacy and personal space”. (pg.110). The practice of living alone symbolises the society’s culture of turning a loner, or enjoying one’s freedom. But why some people prefer to live alone than within the hustle- bustle of a large family? “Now socialists usually study culture’s effect not on the goals or ends of our behaviour but rather on the means of our behaviour. In other words less the how and more the why”. (pg.117)

In the following chapter, emphasis is on Power: Achieve goals through a political system. Power has three dimensions to it. In the first one power is obviously seen, like students protesting, a war, etc. In the second dimension power becomes less visible. The people in power know how to manipulate issues or agendas and get outcomes favourable to them. “What counts as important issues: they are not those that are just subject of important conflict but also those that are prevented from becoming the subject of political challenge.” (pg.146). in the third dimension, power is literally hidden. Here, the powerful need not order others to exercise power. Their status like a celebrity, a distinguished politician, a firm dictator etc. work the way for them. ”Sometimes efforts at persuasion come with both the threat of a punishment and an offer of a reward.”Law...

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... life. New technological developments have transformed backboard classrooms to e-classrooms. Through these technological innovations, standards have education have enhanced leaps and bounds, so has the number of people at the receiving end. This is possible due to substitution of digital media instead of physical teachers. According to sociologists the goals of education are “providing a marriage market for older students, teaching religion, and preventing crime by keeping youths off the streets.” (pg. 416) An educational institution helps us distinguish between right and wrong thus helping us make a smart career choice.”High level of human capital plays a key role in spurring economic growth.” (pg.418) to have an efficient batch of youth: the future of every nation, a disciplined schooling is compulsory. Education grooms society and helps in eradicating inequality.