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Role of Theory
Does the theorization explain the phenomena of interest? Does the theorization allow the making of predictions concerning the phenomena? Does the theorization point the way to further areas of fruitful inquiry? Does the theorization point the way to means of improving the situation?
Instrumental (or positivist) knowledge is developed through traditional scientific approaches. It is concerned with controlling physical and social environments. Interactive (or lived) knowledge is derived from sharing lived experiences. It is concerned with understanding and the connections among human beings. Critical knowledge is derived from reflection and action on what is right and just. It is concerned with raising consciousness about the causes of problems and means of alleviating them.
Positivist Approaches
There are no fundamental differences between natural and social science inquiries Purpose of inquiry is to develop general principles and laws and identify cause and effect relationships present in the world Knowledge is advanced through observation of the observable and measurable There is a distinction between facts and values; inquiry is value-free Tendency to view phenomena at the individual level Emphasis on experimental methods, surveys, observations within a quantitative methodology Focus is upon individual characteristics and how these interact with environmental events to create poverty Key question: What are the correlates of poverty?
Idealist Approaches
Social reality is understood through meanings individuals placed on events Purpose of inquiry is to identify multiple realities that exist Individual is active creator of the world Reality results from the interaction of the individuals with societal structures If events are perceived as real they are real in their consequences Emphasis on ethnographic methods whereby individuals understandings of the world are made explicit Focus on the lived experiences of poverty and how these shape individuals place and actions in the world Key question: What is the lived experience of poverty?
Realist Approaches
Reality exists independent of individuals constructions Interpretations individuals have of events are shaped by societal structures Individuals are active creators of the world Quest is for identifying underlying societal structures that influence events Concern with meanings and how they are shaped by societal structures manifested in idea of false consciousness by which individuals misunderstand their world Emphasis is on a variety of methods to identify the social structures that shape social phenomena and individuals understandings of these phenomena Focus on identifying the social structures that create poverty and individuals understandings of its incidence; identifying means of promoting social change Key question: Why are poverty rates in Canada so high as compared to other countries?
Positivists
Idealists
What are the societal structures that shape the incidence and experience of poverty?
Identification of the underlying mechanisms or structures that leads to phenomenon such as poverty; Examination of the role that relations among classes, status groups, and associations play in creating patterns of poverty; Placing these relationships into a whole in the context of the economic and political system; Identifying how these structures both come about and can be changed.
C. Wright Mills on the Key Questions to Facing Social Scientists What is the structure of this particular society as a whole? What are its essential components, and how are they related to one another? How does it differ from other varieties of social order? Within it, what is the meaning of any particular feature for its continuance and for its change?
Social Structures I
For many sociologists and other theorists, social structures are patterns of relations or relationships that are systematically associated with inequalities in wealth, power, and prestige. Karl Marxs view was that in capitalist economies class represents the key social structure that shapes peoples lives including the existence of social inequalities. The key factor shaping social inequalities and the existence of poverty is the economic system and the relationship of owners to workers.
Social Structures II
Social structures can also refer to the organization of the state or government, agencies and organizations, and other societal institutions that shape human interactions. Governments develop and implement public policies that determine the distribution of wealth, power, and prestige among the population. In this manner governments have the ability to create, maintain, or lessen social inequalities among the population. Governments at all levels federal, provincial, or local influence the incidence and effects of social inequality.
Role of Governments
One view is that the state is merely a reflection and tool of the ruling economic elites that manage the economic system. Another view is that the state operates independently of these forces. A midpoint view argues that while the state is profoundly influenced by these economic elites, there is room for independent governmental action.
History is all about class, class relations, and class conflict In the modern era, the rise of capitalism has seen the creation of two classes: bourgeoisie and proletariat. The bourgeoisie represent those who control the economic system or in the words of Marx, the means of production. The proletariat represents those who must sell their labour for wages. Capitalism exists because it creates patterns of relations between these two classes that Marx saw as very problematic. Social inequality for Marx is built into the nature of these relations.
Weber identified multiple bases of power differentials in society. In addition to class, Weber identified status and party as determinants of social inequality. For Weber, the politics of everyday life was essentially a struggle among individuals for power and influence. Class determined ones power and influence in the economic sphere of life. But status afforded one power and influence in the social honour or prestige spheres of life. Both kinds of power are associated with access to greater material resources resulting in different life chances.
Legitimate Authority
Charismatic legitimization or authority occurs when those who are dominated admire characteristics of those dominating them. Legal legitimization or authority involves acceptance of domination because subordinates believe that both the position of the authority and their own position is in fact legal according to law. Traditional legitimization or authority is when the right to be dominated is accepted though this right may not exist in law.
Illegitimate Authority
These include being dominated by force of habit Allowing domination because opportunities exist for personal advantage or profit Domination as an alternative to punishment or reprisal Domination because no alternative appears to be possible
What are the key determinants of the distribution of power and resources, according to Marx and Weber?
What do you think are the determinants of the distribution of power and resources in Canada? Are your views consistent with those of Marx, Weber, both of them, or neither of them?
Social Exclusion
Galabuzi, G. E. (2005). Canadas Economic Apartheid: The Social Exclusion of Racialized Groups in the New Century. Toronto: Canadian Scholars Press.
Galabuzi, G. E. (2005). Canadas Economic Apartheid: The Social Exclusion of Racialized Groups in the New Century. Toronto: Canadian Scholars Press.
Galabuzi, G. E. (2005). Canadas Economic Apartheid: The Social Exclusion of Racialized Groups in the New Century. Toronto: Canadian Scholars Press.
What are the areas of overlap between the concepts of social inequality and social exclusion? In what ways do they differ?
What are the consequences for Canada of not addressing social inequality and social exclusion?