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argues that these theories are no longer valid in determining if we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
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Haralambos and Holborn, 2000. Sociology Themes and Perspectives. 5th
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Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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