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What is Socialization?

1) Compare and contrast the sociological viewpoints of: a) Structure-Functionalism; b) Conflict; and c) Interaction.

2) Using the viewpoints discussed in Step 1, state and defend your position as to: a) whether or not organizations have identifiable cultures; and b) whether or not organizations can be defined by their cultures.

3) Does the process of socialization in an organization work in the same way as it works in a society as a whole? Explain.

4) How do the processes of socialization affect the formation of organizations, and how does socialization promote change in organizations?

Solution Preview

Structural functionalism is the theory that identifies society or organizations as a structure or framework of parts and how those parts work together forming the norms and values. These norms and values then reinforce the structure. Conflict is the theory that two or more people will always create conflict because there are different values and beliefs at work, including needs and wants. One of the basic tenets is conflict occurs because of the inequality of people in the social or political strata. Interaction or symbolic interaction is the attachment people form to the things in their environment and how they interact based on those meanings attached to their symbols of choice. These meanings can be stable and ongoing or fluid, depending on the people and culture surrounding them.

Each of these, separate and yet connected theories, form the basis of how people perceive the structures and norms of their world. Conflict is probably the one most different from within this groups because it considers the inequality of status as opposed to the structure or ...

Solution Summary

The solution provides insight, advise and information to tackle the 4 tasks listed above (see long description).