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Groups and Identity

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Using the sociological terms and concepts from the current and past chapters and at least one of the three major sociological theories (conflict, functionalist, or interactionist), analyze the hypothesis that groups are important to the development of an individual's sense of self and identity as well as influencing social behavior. Give specific examples, from your personal or professional experiences, to support your points.

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Solution Summary

The solution provides insight and advice in tackling the task (see above) on the topic of groups and society. Using the perspective of functionalism, the importance of groups in the development of identity, sense of self, personality and behavior is explored and discussed. A word version of the solution is also attached. References are listed to further explore the topic.

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Dear Student,
Hello and thank you for using Brainmass. The solution below should get you started. May I advise that you also reflect on how your membership in groups and organizations inform your ideas of self? Add these in your eventual paper. If you have any questions, just let me know via feedback section. Good luck!

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
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Functionalism and Identity

The sociological perspective of functionalism sees society as a sum of its parts where each part has a function, down to the individual. For example, government manages, administers and orders society; the President as the chief executive has the function of leading the government. As an example, what I gave is obvious. But what about you and me? Our function in society is not just consigned to one role - we are a sister or a brother, a child, a friend, a parent, a lover, an employee, a student, a client, a boss, a citizen - and much more. All these roles ...

Solution provided by:
Xenia Rochelle Jones, MA, PhD (IP)
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
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