THEORIES RELATED TO CULTURE

Theories in Relation to CultureCHAPTER 2Mpu 2333 cultural diversity in malaysiaChapter OutlineFunctionalist TheoryContact TheoryAssimilation TheoryTransactionalist TheoryPluralistic TheoryFunctionalist TheoryEach aspect of society is interdependent and related.Each part is important to make sure that society functions as a wholeBasic example: Family

Functionalist Theory Problems happen when there is inequality in class, racial and gender linesThis problem is usually solved through education (Cultural Diversity classes)Emile Durkheim: Believed that when an individual does not follow what the society expects him to do, the treatment he gets is a form of punishmentFunctionalist TheorySociety is stable when all parts of society is stableAdvantages of Functionalist TheoryProvides a wide-range explanation for many social phenomena

Allows stability by helping in conflict, social change and power relationships

Disadvantages of Functionalist TheoryThe idea is too ideal and not realistic sometimesPuts value in stability through agreement

Cannot explain the existence of societies in the first placeContact TheorySometimes known as Contact HypothesisMade popular by Gordon Allport Under appropriate conditions, interpersonal contact is one of the most effective ways to minimize prejudice between minority and majority groups.Equal StatusMinority and majority groups have equal statusMembers should have similar backgrounds, qualities and characteristicsDifferences in academic background, wealth, skill or experiences should be minimized because these qualities will influence perceptions of prestige and rank in the groupCommon GoalsLess prejudice through contact can only happen through active goal oriented effortMajority and minority group must work on a common problem/task The goal can only be achieved if the members work together to solve the problem/taskThis is done through efforts and resourcesIntergroup CooperationMajority and minority group must work together for their common goals without competition

Assimilation TheoryThe process whereby the minority group is absorbed into the main culture

Forced AssimilationWhen majority group does not allow the minority to practice its religion, speak its language or follow its customsPermissible AssimilationAllows the minority group adopt the majority groups patterns in its own way and at its own speedAllows blending of culturesTransactional TheoryInvolving two or more people that affects all those involved in personal interaction

Considered as an exchange of something of value and a transaction between the communicators

Communication is simultaneous COMMUNICATIONTransactional TheoryAt the same time that you send messages, youre also receiving messages from your own communications and from the reactions of the other person. And at the same time that youre listening, youre also sending messages. In a transactional view, each person is seen as both speaker and listener, simultaneously communicating and receiving messages.

More similarities in environment = easier to communicate

Less similarities in environment = more difficult to communicateTransactional TheoryPluralistic TheoryA Pluralistic society believes that the various religious, cultural, social and racial groups should be allowed to live together in one society.Pluralistic SocietyTypes of Pluralism Difference between assimilate and integrate: Assimilate means influenced by other cultures. Integrate means work together to become one culture.23Types of Pluralism 24Types of PluralismEnclave MinorityHas its own neighborhood. Relies on a set of interconnected businesses, usually small, for its economic survival. Some of these businesses serve the group. Some serve the larger society. Middleman MinorityRelies on small shops and retail but the businesses are more distributed throughout a large Example in Malaysia? Social Groups: The Malaysian PerspectiveMalaysians are able tolive together with some degree of peace and understandingwork out rules and methods for conflict management engage in social interactionshare power

Political Parlimentary democracy Periodic electionsGives Malaysians a voiceEconomicSocialEmergence of multi-ethnic and educated middle class Changed mindsets, values, and orientations, reflecting new sense of confidenceVarious ethnic groups can work and live togetherCivilization Promote public culture of tolerance and accommodation towards one anotherFestivals and customs of different groups are respected TASK: Why is Cultural Diversity important among members of an association or society?

List 4 reasons. Report LayoutIntroductionMethodology Findings 3.1 Social Structure3.2 Social Life3.3 Status3.4 Social Values3.5 Social Conduct3.6 Social ChangeRecommendationsConclusionCitation APPENDIX

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