Newspaper Article Review - Essay Example

Newspaper Article Review Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Thesis ment 3 Conflict Theory By Karl Marx and Survey Finds Rising Perception of Class Tension. 3 Theory of Functionalism by Emile Durkheim and Is Social Networking Killing You? 4 Conclusion 5 Works Cited 6 Introduction Every literature evolves out from the society in which we live. Many eminent social scientists and philosophers time to time have propagated myriad theories which focus on the various social inhibitions and limitations present around.

To ponder upon the fact more pertinently, the social theories have actually emerged from various social issues which are definitely matter of concerns and need to get rectified. And the ‘Newspaper’ is the greatest source of testimony which indicates that social issues prevail and need attention irrespective of the fact that they are often delineated, discussed and sought after in world famous sociological theories and studies. Thesis Statement The essay intends to explore the social issues of class conflict and functionalism by Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim respectively inherent in the articles from New York Times during different years to comprehend the operation of these sociological theories in pragmatic social arena.

Conflict Theory By Karl Marx and Survey Finds Rising Perception of Class Tension. On January 11th, 2012 Sabrina Tavernise reported about the conflict between the rich and the poor class in America which extends its periphery into the conflict that is subsequently noticed amid the immigrants and the native–born Americans almost taking the shape of the racial faction and strain. Sabrina finds the actual reason behind it as an economic disparity and also relates it to the aftermath of the Wall Street Occupy movement which was on its peak during that time (Tavernise, “Survey Finds Rising Perception of Class Tension”).

The article, ‘Survey Finds Rising Perception of Class Tension’ envisages that there are strong conflicts between the economically rich and poor section in the American society. This fact is proven by Pew Research Centre by a survey which they conducted to find the actual reason behind this faction and they came into terms with the fact of economic inequality that was very much branded by the Occupy Wall Street Movements in the recent times and supported the prevalence of such acute difference in the society of the United States (Tavernise, “Survey Finds Rising Perception of Class Tension”).

The Marxian Class Conflict theory propounds the proper and equal distribution of wealth. Under this theory, the main reason for the economic and social inequality evolves from the improper disbursement of wealth and property. This very fact is supported in the article and the same is operating in the American social arena is felt by the government. While the black had a larger share of experiencing the class conflict, the white Americans have had their part of experience during the recent economic down-run which consequently agitated the entire nation at a very fast pace.

Class conflict is not a traditional part of American politics as it has been witnessed in the European political scenario. However, evidently channeling of wealth or its drainage towards a particular section is not going to be supportive of the fact that rich become reach through their inheritance, hard-work and education for a longer period (Marxists Internet Archive,” A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy”). Theory of Functionalism by Emile Durkheim and Is Social Networking Killing You?

On February 24th, 2009 Robert Mackey delivered an article on Social Networking which bears the title, “Is Social Networking Killing You?” The article not only focuses on the ill-impact of the surfing networking site all through the day and most often late at night, but it also throws some insightful perception on the way it hinders the social structure as well. Theory of Functionalism focuses on the image of the society rather than pondering on the image of the individual or the subjective aspect of the human behavior.

Virtual interaction minimizes the space of face-to-face interaction notes Dr, Sigman. Also the virtual communities minimize the space of physical network and interactions. Interacting virtually is good but then at the coat of ignoring the communities that build up physically around, those communities which are the founding base of the macro structural society is hindered (Mackey, “Is Social Networking Killing You?”). Also the virtual images and the pop-ups, the loud music and the bright colors take the brains into a state of a child where the concentration level and time for a particular object or event is minimum and there is always a tendency to shift to the next level or the other pages with unveiled objects, images or music.

These, again according to the functional theory curtail the social attachment and make the macrocosmic family or the society a means of trivial gatherings (McClelland, “Functionalism”). Conclusion Social issues like networking virtually or the economic divide between social structures is prevalent irrespective of any polarities. It is omnipresent across the globe. With the gaining pursuit of materialism, these two social vices are gaining their grounds formidably and at a faster pace. Social theories propagated by the great social scientists long ago paved the way for the exact operation of the society but implantation of those theories in actual life and social structure is less.

This is the reason society is being eclipsed by the growing vices all around. A little bit of intelligence and a lot of tolerance can actually pave the way towards brighter tomorrow. Works Cited Marxists Internet Archive. A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy, 1977. Web. 16 Jul. 2012. Mackey, Robert. Is Social Networking Killing You? The New York Times, 2009. Web. 16 Jul. 2012. McClelland, Kent. Functionalism. Grinnnell College, 2000. Web. 16 Jul. 2012. Tavernise, Sabrina. Survey Finds Rising Perception of Class Tension.

The New York Times, 2012. Web. 16 Jul. 2012.