Category: Social Politic

As a proponent of the structural-functional theory, Robert K Marton only makes more limited demands for this perspective. Merton assumes that this functional, structural approach significantly influences the advancement of sociological knowledge. However, he considered structural functionalism still impossible to solve all social problems.

Merton himself proposed Merton’s functional analysis model, which he got due to the development of a thorough knowledge of classical theories, including the work of Max Weber. Weber influenced Merton’s thinking regarding bureaucracy, thus making Merton more limited in viewing bureaucracy, as was Weber.

As for the modern bureaucratic organization, according to Merton, it contains the following concepts:

• bureaucracy is a form of social structure that is organized rationally and formally;
• bureaucracy includes a pattern of activities with clear boundaries;
• the actions that take place in the system are ideally related to the goals of the organization;
• positions in the organization are integrated into the overall bureaucratic structure;
• The existing statuses in the bureaucracy are arranged in a hierarchical arrangement;
• Detailed rules limit obligations and rights in the bureaucracy;
• authority lies in the position, not in the person;
• the relationships that exist between people are formally restricted.

The bureaucratic model, as described by Merton, can be illustrated in the form of large-scale organizations. For example, such as companies, universities, or academies.

Merton’s functional analysis theory can be summarized in three postulates as available analysis, which he then refines individually. In summary, the first postulate is the postulate of the functional unity of society, which shows that the available unit of society has parts that work together in an adequate level of internal consistency without producing a prolonged unresolved conflict.

The second postulate is the postulate of universal functionalism, assuming that all standardized social and cultural forms have their positive functions, which can establish a balance in the social system.

The third postulate completes the trio of postulates of functionalism in the form of the postulate of indispensability; namely in every type of civilization, every habit, idea, material object, and belief all fulfill several essential functions and tasks that must be carried out so that they cannot be separated in the activities of the system as a whole.

Put, in this third postulate, all aspects of society’s standards have a positive function and represent inseparable parts of the whole. This postulate leads to the idea that all structures and functions are functionally necessary for society.

What do you understand about the definition of social inequality? How the analysis can be used.

Want to know the answer, let’s look at the following explanation and review and there are three analytical approaches that you can try to understand.

Understanding Social Inequality

What is the meaning of social inequality that you need to know, where social inequality is an imbalance.

As well as social inequalities that occur in society. Where indeed this condition will cause a significant difference between the community.

We can see this social gap in poverty, low levels of education, social problems related to criminal acts, and others.

For example, in terms of the need for health, economy, employment, we can also see that there are many gaps there. Let’s see below.

Analysis of Social Inequality Approach

There are several approaches that can be used in conducting or analyzing or describing social inequality in people’s lives, namely:

1. Historical Approach

For those of you who want to understand social inequality, it is also obligatory to know the existence of social inequality that arises due to differences in life.

Both in terms of social, economic, and political existence and we often encounter in the daily activities of people’s daily activities.

For example, if you remember, in the 19th century, there was a great war in Europe, namely World War II.

Where the occurrence of this war also brought many social changes to the lives of its people, and brought the destruction of most countries in the world to destruction.

Now this destruction also causes and results in poverty, social inequality, and misery.

2. Sociological Approach

Of course, the gaps that occur in the world in particular have made some people restless and worried about these social problems.

In reality, it can be seen how the lower and upper classes exist in people’s lives.

Between the rich and the poor who increasingly show the gulf of difference so far. Where the distribution of wealth resources is increasingly not targeting the small community.

It is precisely the upper classes who are closer to power who benefit from the various uses of this wealth.

Poverty that occurs in Indonesia is an example of how social inequality appears to be real and compared so far when viewed, the control of these assets.

Where it is said that a nation can be considered advanced if it has succeeded in improving the welfare of its people.

However, as well as developed countries will be separated from the problem of poverty that has been faced by many countries.

3. Juridical Approach 

The social inequality that we see in the lives of the people around us is one thing that does not reflect the existence of justice.

Moreover, the state should be able to provide welfare for all its citizens.

However, in fact and reality, everything seems to be inversely proportional to what is happening in society today.

But if we look at it, social inequality is still a concern for many people and is a scary ‘ghost’.

So that’s a glimpse of the discussion and explanation as well as a review of the topic of Understanding Social Inequality: 3 Analysis of the Approach.

Auguste Comte (1798-1857) was a French philosopher who is often referred to as the founder of sociology. He also introduced the term “Sociology”. The term was first introduced in 1838 in his book Cours De Philosophie Positive .

In his work, Comte explained that the word “sociology” comes from the Latin “socius” which means “friend or friend”, and “logos” which means “science”.

Thus, sociology is a branch of science that studies society, including community behavior, and human social behavior by observing the behavior of the groups it builds. These groups include families, ethnic groups, countries, and various political, economic, social organizations.

Three Stage Theory by Auguste Comte

Through this book, Comte introduced the stages of intellectual development, each of which is a development from the previous stage.

The three stages include:

a) Theological stage , namely the level of human thinking that all objects in the world have a soul and it is caused by a power that is above humans;

b) Metaphysical stage , which at this stage humans assume that in every symptom there are certain forces or cores that will eventually be revealed; and

c) Positive Stage , namely the stage where humans begin to think scientifically.

The last three stages of intellectual development, or the Positive Stage , eventually brought people to know his famous thought: Positivism.

Recognizing Positivism

In science, positivism is a form of thought that emphasizes the factual aspects of knowledge, especially scientific knowledge. Generally, positivism describes factual statements on a basis of perception (sensation).

In other words, positivism is a school of thought which states that the natural (empirical) sciences are the only true source of knowledge and rejects the cognitive value of philosophical or metaphysical studies.

According to Anthony Flew in A Dictionary of Philosophy (1984), when viewed from the origin of its development, positivism is a philosophical understanding in the flow of the Galilean tradition that emerged and developed in the XVIII century. Comte himself has tried to use the Galilean paradigm to explain human life in society.

According to Comte, the concepts and methods of natural science can be used to explain human collective life. Furthermore, it is said that human life also occurs under the imperative of the law of cause and effect with all the conditions and probability factors.

As events in the universe are subject to universal laws, Comte stated that human life can always be explained as a process of actualizing the law of cause and effect. Every event or action in human life that is casuistic can always be explained in terms of rational and natural cause and effect and is therefore scientific .

According to him, every action cannot be interpreted from the substance in the form of its own moral-altruistic and metaphysical intentions and goals. Because, that is something that can be considered unscientific (unscientific) .

Pros and Cons of Positivism

As a thought, positivism has its advantages and disadvantages.  positivism has advantages and disadvantages as follows:

a.) Strengths

• Positivism produces a knowledge in which humans will be able to explain the reality of life not speculatively, but concretely, definitely, absolutely, regularly and validly;
• With progress and with a spirit of optimism, people will be encouraged to act actively and creatively, in the sense of not only gathering facts, but also predicting the future;
• Positivism has been able to push the pace of progress in the physical and technological sectors;
• Positivism places great emphasis on rational-scientific aspects, both in epistemology and ontological beliefs that are used as the basis of their thinking.

b.) Weaknesses

• Biological analysis which is transformed into social analysis is considered as the root of the decline of spiritual values ​​and even human values. This is because humans are reduced to a physical-biological sense;
• Man will lose meaning, art or beauty, so man cannot feel happy and pleasure does not exist;
• Just stop at something that is visible and empirical so that it cannot find valid knowledge.

Pierre Felix Bourdieu’s theory of thought can be easily remembered by the composition of social practice, namely (Habitus X Modal) + Realm = Practice.

Pierre Felix Bourdieu’s thoughts give us a reflection to understand social phenomena which we ourselves unconsciously make habits or Bourdieu calls Habitus. 

Now, for the theoretical formula of Pierre Felix Bourdieu’s thought, we can easily remember the composition of social practice, namely (Habitus X Modal) + Realm = Practice.

In this first article, we will briefly discuss Habitus written by Pierre Felix Bourdieu, let’s see!

A Brief Introduction to the Sociological Figure Pierre Felix Bourdieu.

He was a philosopher, anthropologist and sociologist whose work had a major impact on the social sciences in the second half of the 20th century.

Bourdieu also became one of the leaders of cultural sociology. Bourdieu’s thought was influenced by thinkers such as Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Hegel, Marx, Durkheim, Max Weber, Picasso, Franz Fanon, Jeane Paul Sartre, Huserl, Sausure, Levi Strauss, Wittgenstein, Martin Heidegger, and Michel Foucault.

Then, Bourdieu gave the concept of practical theory which people are familiar with with the formula (Habitus X Modal) + Realm = Practice. He provides a new thought formula called the structuralism-constructive method. 

Through this method, he synthesizes a theory that emphasizes structure and objectivity with a theory that emphasizes the role of actors and subjectivity.

His thoughts have an influence in the field of social science, especially in cultural studies. The theory that he put forward is known as the theory of practice.

Practical theory is a blend or mixture of agent- or actor-centered theory with structure-centered theory in shaping social life. 

Understanding Pierre Bourdieu’s Thoughts on Habitus. 

Humans as social beings certainly cannot be separated from the process of social interaction and communication between individuals, as well as between community groups.

This social interaction and communication occurs when humans are born, which begins with the process of internalizing the prevailing values ​​and norms. Where we ourselves run the habitus without us knowing it. 

Then, how does Bourdiue define habitus? Well, here’s Sociology Info quoting from the Journal of Cultural Studies (2016) Volume I No. 2: 79-82, Pierre-Felix Bourdieu Theory Research Report by Mangihut Siregar Udayana University, the following is the review: 

For Bourdieu habitus is a system through a combination of objective structures and personal histories, enduring and changing dispositions that serves as a generative basis for objectively structured and integrated practices. Understanding the concept of habitus is the key in Bourdieu’s theoretical synthesis. 

Where Habitus is a process of internalizing various socio-cultural values ​​and a sense of the game (feel for the game) that gives birth to various movements that are adapted to the game being played. Habitus is the result of internalizing the structure of the social world, or the inner social structure. 

Habitus is a historical product that is formed after humans are born and interacts with society in a certain space and time. Habitus is not innate or natural but is the result of learning through parenting and socializing in society. 

The learning process is very subtle, unconscious and appears as a natural thing. Individuals are not completely free agents, nor are they passive products of social structures. Habitus is closely related to the field, because the practices or actions of agents are habits formed by the field, so that habitus is understood as a cultural action. 

Bourdieu’s theoretical approach is to illustrate that what a person says and does in his life is basically something other than his desires or just from social and material structures. 

Individuals in their actions are influenced by the structure or the collective/social. The existing structures in society are internalized by social actors so that they function effectively. Internalization takes place through parenting, play activities, and also education in the community both consciously and unconsciously.

At first glance, habitus seems like something natural or a gift, but it is a construction. Actors or agents in acting are not like puppets or machines that move when someone orders them. Agents are individuals who are free to move according to their wishes. 

On the one hand, the agent is an individual who is bound in a collective/social structure, but on the other hand, the agent is an individual who is free to act.

This synthesis and dialectic between the objective structure and subjective phenomena is known as habitus. The result of the dialectical relationship between structure and agent is seen in practice. Practice is neither objectively determined nor free will.

Habitus that exists at a certain time is the result of long-lasting collective life. Habitus can last a long time but can also change from time to time. Habitus produces and is produced by social life, meaning that habitus is a social structure and habitus is a structured structure. 

Thus Bourdieu defines habitus as a durable, transposable disposition system that serves as a generative basis for objectively structured and integrated practices.

Examples of Social Phenomenon of Society.

Habitus is a habit that is inherent and repeated by humans in their daily lives. 

We can see this habit in the behavior and actions taken, such as village communities who are used to mutual cooperation activities, helping when there is a celebration or rewang. 

Well, we can see how this habit has been ingrained for a long time, so that it becomes a habit that is carried out continuously and repeatedly. 

Thus, we can form the habit by ourselves without us realizing it. That is when we look at the village community who have been instilled in the values ​​of gotong royong as a habit that has been ingrained for a long time.

What else can we see in giving examples of habitus? Well, for example in students, students who they familiarize themselves as students and students by learning, behave according to the values ​​and norms as well as their obedience in being students and students. 

Such as coming on time, doing assignments well and maximally, and applying teachings that are in accordance with existing values ​​and norms. This is where there is a process of social interaction and communication that builds the habitus by continuously repeating these patterns. 

Well, for examples and analysis of social phenomena in society, yo

Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgical Theory. The following are explanations and examples of social phenomena in everyday life that we may often encounter.

The existing social life is part of the play. This explanation of Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgy Theory will explain how we understand the play.

The following are explanations and examples of social phenomena in everyday life that we may often encounter.

Get to know Erving Goffman, this is his explanation about dramaturgy

Erving Goffman, is a character who is familiar to some circles. Especially for those who belong to academics, students, or students. Erving Goffman was born in Alberta, Canada June 11, 1992. 

He was a major Canadian-American sociologist who played an important role in the development of Modern American sociology. 

An academic who graduated from the University of Chicago, he is known as a member of the Chicago school and as a theorist of symbolic interactionism. He made a theory that is dramaturgy. 

Dramaturgy theory is widely used for various research purposes, scientific papers, and learning materials. 

Dramaturgy comes from English, namely “dramaturgy”, from the word “drama” which means the art or technique of drama in the form of theatre. 

According to Goffman (1959), dramaturgy is a play of life presented by humans. Dramatic situations that seem to occur on stage as illustrations to describe individuals and their interactions in everyday life. 

So it can be concluded that dramatugy is a view of social life as a form of storyline for drama performances in a stage. 

(Melati, 8: 2016) explains that dramaturgy is a theory that can interpret the daily life of humans. 

Humans are like playing a show on stage. The stage consists of a front stage and a back stage. 

In the front stage there are settings and personal fronts, which can then be divided into appearance and style.”

Examples of Understanding Dramaturgy Theory in Everyday Life

Now our discussion this time, how dramaturgy theory is very relevant and closely related to our daily lives. 

I’ll just give an example with a student, his name is Farhan. Farhan is a student, he also participates in several organizational activities. When you want to go to campus, canteen, library.

Or other campus facilities, he must adjust himself as best he can, dress like a student, bring books, pens, and laptops. The attitude that he formed is called dramaturgy. 

Farhan as an individual plays his role as a student, he goes to campus with books, pens, and laptops to support his studies. 

Besides that, he embellished himself by wearing student-like clothes (with his fashion sense). 

Farhan as an individual student is he who is characterized above when interacting and dealing with the community, especially with the campus community. This social life is the object of the front stage or front stage. 

When Farhan is at home, rented, or in a boarding house, he is a different individual or is rarely highlighted. Such a situation is called a back stage or (behind the stage / screen). Like a theater stage, event studio, or shooting location. 

The actors who are on the back stage, of course, do different things when on the front stage, they can relax and be themselves when they are behind the screen. 

Likewise Farhan, in the back stage condition Farhan did things he didn’t do when he was on campus, it could be a habit that is not pleasing to the general public. 

So don’t be surprised if you see a different friend when in a formal environment such as an office, campus, or school with him when in a non-formal environment such as a home, cafe, or other place. 

Consciously or not, he is applying dramaturgy theory. Maybe, subconsciously you also apply it, hehehehe.

What are the Benefits of Learning to Understand Dramaturgy Theory

This theory is very useful for us to be able to position ourselves according to the existing situation. 

We become wiser and understand how to look when we meet important people such as officials, work clients, lecturers, or our own friends. In a formal situation, we must understand how the policies and values ​​and norms exist in that situation. 

For example, when you are attending a webinar held by a government institution. From the committee’s policy, it is stated in it, namely “invited guests, committee.

And participants are prohibited from eating, drinking, and smoking during the event, “so automatically you who get a position as a participant must of course heed this order. 

When you violate it, you are considered unethical and labeled impolite. If this continues, it is feared that it will become a habit. 

There is nothing wrong with a habit or a habit, the benchmark for which is whether it is a good standard or a bad one. 

Therefore, we must be able to position ourselves as best we can, don’t make it a habit when we are on the back stage (house, rented house, boarding house, hangout) brought to the front stage (workplace, campus, and school). 

On the other hand, dramaturgy theory conveys a message that it is not too easy to judge people’s appearance. Humans still have two sides, nice personality or bad personality. 

The good and bad of an individual is seen by the public, it depends on himself and depends on the values ​​and norms of his environment. Life is indeed drama, acting, and personal branding. 

The effect given later will be felt again, as the saying goes “what you sow, that’s what you reap.” 

So always consider if you want to appear in front of the audience with the thoughts you have, Are these thoughts or ideologies in accordance with your conscience? 

Are you able, if what you do becomes a problem in the public? And when do you want to start? 

Questions like that often cross our minds, I personally do too. When you are ready, please go ahead. 

Do not procrastinate too long due to insecurity and validation of people. The point is, don’t forget to always read books, listen to criticism and advice, and look at your surroundings. 

That way when applying dramaturgy theory, we can become more realistic, critical, and unselfish people.

Reference sources :

(Melati, 2016)Melati, MR (2016). ANALYSIS OF ERVING GOFFMAN’S DRAMATURGY CONCEPT IN PATTERNS OF USE OF PUBLIC SPACE BY STUDENTS IN THE CITY OF SURAKARTA. Thesis, III(2), 2016.

https://cubic.id/journals/dramaturgy-theory, accessed 27 June 2021

Who is Georg Simmel?

Georg Simmel was born in Berlin on March 1, 1858 and died on September 26, 1918 in Alsace, Strasbourg.

Although now known as one of the classic sociology figures, Georg Simmel’s academic career is arguably not as big as his work which is still often used as a reference.

Simmel was a sociologist who was formally alienated, but had a profound influence on some of the intellectuals who had been his students.

Some of them are Albion Small, George Herbert Mead, Robert Park, and WI Thomas.

Simmel was also a colleague of some of the great thinkers of his time such as Max Weber and Wilhelm Dilthey.

Seeing Georg Simmel’s intellectual contributions in the field of sociology, he is undoubtedly one of the most influential intellectuals in Europe and America. His name may be less heard in other parts of the world, but some of Simmel’s concepts are well known.

Sociological studies of social networks and social interactions that are now popular often place Simmel’s work as the theoretical foundation.

Georg Simmel was descended from a Jewish family, the last of seven children. Despite his Jewish heritage, Simmel as a young man changed his religious affiliation to become a Protestant.

At that time in Germany it was not uncommon for a child to convert from Judaism to Protestantism. Affiliation to Judaism is considered to be a barrier to one’s career, especially in 19th century Germany to the early 20th century.

In 1876, Simmel began studying history and philosophy at the King Fredrick William University. At the age of 23, Simmel received an academic degree after successfully defending his dissertation on Kantian philosophy.

Georg Simmel began his career as a private lecturer in Berlin, teaching ethics, philosophy, sociology and social psychology for a fee depending on the audience.

Simmel’s lectures were famous for being fashionable and attracted many guests from Berlin’s intellectual circles. His colleague Wilhel Dilthey of the philosophy department repeatedly sponsored Simmel for a full professorship.

Although universities and faculties have the authority to apply for full professorship titles, the decision rests with the state through the Prussian ministry.

In the end Simmel earned a professorship but not full. Its powers are limited to teaching and the use of degrees. Recruiting students and guiding students is not his authority.

This limitation is indicated for two reasons. First, his race is of Jewish descent. Second, the sociology that Simmel taught was considered anti-positivist, a school of thought that was considered a threat to the stability of the country at that time. Simmel taught sociology without formal support as a sociologist.

Contribution in Sociology

Some of Simmel’s important contributions to sociology and other social sciences include elaboration in an attempt to answer the question, “What is a gesellschaft?”

In his essay in the book Soziologie (1908), Simmel argues that sociology is not a science, but a methodology. Sociology is a methodology for exploring the ongoing process of socialization.

The concept of socialization described by Simmel is now more often referred to as social interaction. As a methodology, sociological research data comes from other disciplines, such as psychology and anthropology.

One of the important concepts that Simmel coined in sociology is formen or forms. The use of the concept of formen makes it possible for the social world to be understood.

According to Simmel, all people in this world interact, and through forms , these interactions can be categorized. Georg Simmel looked at the task of sociology to identify categories and types of social interaction. Formen can be defined as a process of sociation, namely the process of socially categorizing reality.

For example, in a society there is a leader and several followers. The relationship between the leader and the follower forms a certain pattern of interaction.

For example, when a follower meets a leader, he kisses the leader’s hand as a form of respect or courtesy or whatever his name is. Kissing hands is a form of interaction.

This form of interaction can be understood through formen , namely the categorization between leaders and followers.

We can also identify which leaders are followers when we see the kissing scene. Thus the social world can be understood according to Simmel.

Other concepts that are also important and are also considered as the theoretical foundation of the concept of network society are dyads and triads.

The concept of dyad describes two entities that are bound to each other. While the triad is three or more entities that are bound to each other. Dyad and triad are two concepts that determine how the formen process takes place.

Dyad is a unique concept because it consists of two entities or let’s call it two people, where without one of them, the form of interaction can be lost. For example, I can argue with you, but if you leave, I can’t argue anymore.

While the triads are different. Triads form formations with different processes because interactions can still take place dynamically even though several people come and go.

For example, three students eat in the cafeteria while chatting. When one said goodbye to take fried food, the others were still able to chat.

Interaction can still exist. An easy-to-understand illustration of the difference between a dyad and a triad is a ball and chess match.

When a player gets a red card, the ball game can still be continued, but not chess. The concepts of dyad and triad can explain interaction patterns in more complex contexts, such as urban communities and network communities.