The video clip demonstrates how the clan of crabs works
together to protect themselves from the seagull. I think it is safe to say that
some crabs were smaller than others, maybe even weaker. Some crabs might have
had smaller pincers or slower reflexes, but they still all worked together to
take down the seagull. Imagine if one or two crabs weren’t helping the rest. It
is probable that without all of the crabs working together they would not have
been able to take down the seagull. Each crab did his or her part in keeping
everyone safe.
Emile Durkheim would explain society, and the group of crabs, from a structural functionalist perspective. This means that he views
everything with in society as serving a purpose. Everybody, every institution,
deviance, norms, they all serve a proper function to keep society running
smoothly. It is much like looking at society like a body. Without the smallest
most minor part, such as hair, your body would not function to the best of its
ability. It would not be as productive.
In my criminology class, we are also taking a look at Emile
Durkheim’s view of crime. Durkheim sticks to his structural functionalist
perspective claiming that even crime serves a proper function. Although crime
causes conflict, according to Durkheim, crime helps us affirm cultural values
because what is considered crime in one culture may not be criminal in another.
Crime also clarifies moral boundaries and encourages social change. Durkheim
also says that crime creates social unity by bringing non-deviants away from
crime and standing up to crime.
By viewing even a bad part of society such as crime, as a
functional component is an optimistic way of viewing society. I’m a believer of
all things happen for a reason and that goes along with the belief that everyone
has something to offer. I believe that right now, the way our society exists,
every component brings something else to the table. Without the lower class,
middle class, high class, deviance, law, economy, different religion, politics,
our society would not function the way it does. Looking at society from this view could help us overcome obstacles such as the crabs fighting the seagull.
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ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read that you brought in a discussion from another class to discuss Emile Durkheim's views of crime from a structural functionalist point of view. I think that, generally, people automatically assume that crime is a bad thing and has no rhyme or reason. It is fascinating how Durkheim incorporated it as a function that helps a society. However, it might have been even more helpful in giving a specific example of a crime and how it affects a society and how it may be viewed differently in another culture. You write that a different culture may also view it as a crime or not. In the example, you could also explain why they may view the crime differently. Overall, it was a very good post and very informative.
ReplyDeleteThe media source that you provided, I thought hit this topic right on target. It made your explanation of Durkheim's theory of structural functionalism very easy to understand and follow. I also thought it was very effective to put the video clip before you started your blog. Also, bringing in Durkheim's view on crime dealing with structural functionalism was also very helpful, however like Michael stated it would have been nice to see a specific example of how crime is viewed differently between cultures.
ReplyDeleteI definitely enjoyed your crab analogy to the way Durkheim views society, the video was a nice touch! Also it was cool to see the application of this topic from another course. I also like your optimistic perspective on the topic of crime and that everything happens for a reason
ReplyDeleteThe video was solid and the crab example was a good analogy. It made it easy to understand structural functionalism and was a good refresher from all the way back in Soc 101. All in all a great post and a good understanding of what structural functionalism is.
ReplyDelete