Social Institutions

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Religion is described as “a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say set apart and forbidden, beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community, called a church, all those who adhere to them” (Émile Durkheim, 1915) In the video, Nine Years After 9/11: Has Religious Tolerance Changed in America?, Bishop Harry Jackson stated that there needs to be “A pastoral voice that helps people deal with how the feel positively as opposed to explosively.” Reza Aslan stated that the Washington post released a poll that more than half of Americans have a negative view towards Islam. Religion has several functions in society. Religion gives meaning to life by promoting physical and psychological well-being. It motivates people to work for positive change. It also in forces social togetherness and stability. Religion can reinforce social conflict. It reminds people to accept their social structure in life but can also lead to violence between different religions. Religions interactionism shows that beliefs are not sacred unless people follow them. Once followed, it can give meaning to people’s lives.

All of the videos that were watched showed and spoke about a different institution. Family, Education and religion all go hand and hand with one another. Families play an import role in society, education helps socialization and religion helps meet societies basic needs. These institutions have influenced not only me but my family very much. My family is my world. My education means everything, not only to me but to my spouse and my kids. Every day I show my children that hard work is where you get places in life. And religion influences me to see beyond and know that I always have someone on my side at any time. God.

References

Introduction to Sociology (2nd ed.). (2014).

Grodsky, E., Warren, J. R., & Felts, E. (2008). Testing and social stratification in American education. Annual Review of Sociology, 34(1), 385–404.