Essay Sample on Social Structure: Uncovering New Connections and Uses

Introduction

The study of social structure involves a systematic examination and an analysis of materials and sources with the aim of finding facts to reach new suppositions on the development of human relationships. The authors purposed to increase the stock of knowledge on culture, humans, and society. Undertaking the research was a strategy to develop new uses and approaches of studying social structure. The authors also intended to inform other research undertakings in the field of social sciences. Further, the research aimed to inform the scholars about the best method in analyzing structural arrangement of the society (Crano, Brewer, & Lac, 2015). The authors of the study involved various individuals and components of research such as personnel and research materials. They endeavored to interact with the various components of the society to establish the structural configuration. The examination of the social structure aimed to enhance the understanding of associations and human relationships on deviance in the society. The authors agree that an analysis of social structure requires a more in-depth interaction with the various components of the society to establish the appropriate links.

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The authors of the study undertook research to fulfil the need to prepare an informed description of social structure components. Thus, the study introduced the researchers to particular groups of the society that they may not access at the individual level. It endeavored to inform the involvement of the group in facilitating an understanding of the community. However, engaging individual members of society led to time wastage and limited data. The authors wanted to promote close association with the societal institutions that enhance interaction and collective living (Lin, 2017). Again, the analysis aimed to guide and explain the organization of the society and the contribution of each institution in the growth of the nation. Finally, the authors purposed to validate findings by previous studies. The interaction with the institutions of the community provides valid evidence to support research findings and results.

The authors of the study focused on the various types of social structure theories. The theories include social learning theory, differential association theory, labeling theory, and social control theory (Lin, 2017). The study suggest that the proponents of social control theory advance that values, beliefs, norms, commitments, and relationships of people prompt respect for the laws and the denial of the push to engage in criminal activities. Further, the proponents add that teaching morally and encouraging the participation of people in social issues establishes a sense of belonging that lowers the desire to engage in deviant behaviors. Identifying with the activities in the society strengthens the bonds of social structure; thus, a stronger relationship in the community.

Studying social structure through the lenses of social control theory establishes a more in-depth comprehension of the organization of social life. The method of analysis involved includes the observation of the members of a selected society. The process reveals the strength of the bond between people based on the encouragement and the desire to participate in social matters (Lin, 2017). The findings show that people engage in communal activities in which they feel would reward them. Free society enables the interaction of the members and contributors in the activities of the organization. Social participation enhances the formation of relationships between people and the establishment of stronger bonds. A sense of belonging and ownership of the community by its members minimizes law-breaking tendencies. The theory promotes the analysis of social relations. It offers the opportunity to use the primary tool of research - observation as a source of first-hand data in the study of the interaction between people.

Explaining the distinctive, stable arrangement of social institutions that facilitate interaction and togetherness among people requires an in-depth analysis of the elements of the social bond theory. The features include commitment, conventional participation, attachment, and the appreciation of shared morals. The study reveals a direct relationship between social stability and the ease of cooperation in various group undertakings (Burt, 2017). The bond is stronger where group participation is encouraged; thus, a reduction in the tendency to engage in deviant activities. However, weaker bonds suggest aloofness in the relationship between people. The individualism increases; therefore, the community structures that exist may not access all individual members of the society and direct behavior away from deviance. Social structures act as a leash that directs and re-directs people away from deviant behaviors.

Conclusion

An examination of the specific stable patterned institutions that enable human interaction and community living requires more in-depth contact with the several types of machinery of the society to create suitable links. Community living brings people from different backgrounds. The members of society identify with various social beliefs and a subscription to different ethical values. The threat of elimination in society draws people together to form groups that they believe guarantee their survival through a series of collaboration (McFarland, Moody, Diehl, Smith, & Thomas, 2014). However, letting each member of the society operate on individually built norms and values may promote chaos. Therefore, institutions exist to develop shared standards and rules to guide and govern behavior. Institutional structures work together towards a common goal - to help peaceful living by creating and strengthening social relationships as mitigating factors in lowering deviant behavior. The arrangements should work together to promote outcomes.

References

Burt, R. S. (2017). Structural holes versus network closure as social capital. In Social capital (pp. 31-56). Routledge.

Crano, W. D., Brewer, M. B., & Lac, A. (2014). Principles and methods of social research. Routledge.

Lin, N. (2017). Building a network theory of social capital. In Social capital (pp. 3-28). Routledge.

McFarland, D. A., Moody, J., Diehl, D., Smith, J. A., & Thomas, R. J. (2014). Network ecology and adolescent social structure. American sociological review, 79(6), 1088-1121.