The Standpoint Theory and Perspectives on Education - Essay Example

Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Social theory Q1.What is "standpoint theory"? Provide an example. The standpoint theory can be described as a post-modern approach of examining inter-subjective discourses particularly those purported by social and political theorists. This theory accentuates that different groups or individuals in society have varying perspectives or standpoints that make up their view of social reality. According to this theory, all standpoints are partial and the social setting of person can affect their standpoint. It is believed that standpoint theory emerged amongst feminine theorists. A good example of a standpoint theory is that of the black feminists, claim to epitomize the world from a certain socially situated standpoint such that they are able to lay claim to special authority or epistemic privileges. Black feminist theories argue that knowledge is mediated by a myriad of factors that are related to an individual’s position in the social historical landscape thus they reject the concept of unmediated truth. The main standpoint of the Black feminist theories is that people from oppressed groups such as black women poses special kinds of knowledge mainly because of their marginalized status within the society. Based on the knowledge base gained from this standpoint, black women can embark on political empowerment realized through raised consciousness (Lemert 550-562). Q2. Distinguish between DuBois & Booker T. Washington on education and their political views. On the latter, both DuBois and Washington wanted African Americans to have the same rights as Whites. How did their approaches differ? One of the key differences between Washington’s and Dubois’ perspective on education is that Washington’s emphasized on industrial education for Black Americans. Washington founded the Tuskegee Institute which provided industrial training for Black-Americans. He argued that Black-Americans would be respected by the white community, if they attained trade skills since trade skills were fundamental to economic security. On the other hand, Du Bois argued that academic education was more vital than trade education. Du bois considered Washington’s emphasis on trade education would keep Black-Americans to lower economic and social classes since trade skills are often suitable for service occupations. Du bois encouraged Black-Americans to embark on arts and science related studies. (Lemert 178). One of the key differences between Washington’s and Dubois’ perspective revolved around their political views. Both Washington and Du bois wanted Black-Americans to have equal rights just as the whites however Du bois advocated that Black-Americans should demand for their equal rights. Conversely, Washington often overlooked the way the blacks were discriminated against and believed that it was essential for black people to develop good relationships with white people. He believed that if black people demanded for their rights, they would create an ill relationship amongst themselves and the white community (Lemert 178-183). Q3.Present an overview of "The Veil". Cite an example in contemporary society. Du Bois uses the metaphor of the Veil to illustrate the unseen life, existence and separation of the blacks in America. Using this illusion Du Bois notes that “as his soul rose before him he clearly saw himself darkly as though it was through a veil.” He observes that as long as he was wrapped through the veil he saw the image of himself reflected back to himself by others. Du bois uses this allusion by suggesting that as long as he was behind the veil he solely let himself view himself through the revelation of others. He further suggests that transcending the veil would cause people to gain self-consciousness and realize liberty. Basically, the veil metaphor symbolizes the invisibility of black people in America. Du bois describes black people in America as the forgotten people, after the Indian and Egyptian, Roman and Greek, Mongolian and Teuton, blacks are like the seventh born sons with a veil (Lemert 163). Moreover, according to Du bois the concept of the veil in the contemporary society could represent three main things. Foremost, it represents the literal black-American dark skin which portrays a physical separation from the whites. The veil also represents the lack of clarity on the part of the white people to view black people as authentic Americans. Lastly, the concept of the veil in contemporary society could represent the lack of clarity on the part of the black people to view themselves outside what white people prescribe and describes for them. 4. Discuss Myrdal"s "An American Dilemma". Was there an inconsistency between the American Creed and the life chances of African Americans? What was the inconsistency? According to Mydral in ”An American Dilemma”, there is a vicious cycle whereby white people oppress the black and claim that the reason behind this oppression was due to black’s poor performance. Myrdal's study covered the key aspects of black-white relations in America. He then came to the conclusion that the "black problem" is a "white man's problem." This means that the whites were responsible for the detrimental circumstances that have trapped the blacks over the years. Mydral observes that the way out of this vicious cycle was to improve the conditions of the blacks as this would in turn the disapprove the pre-conceived notion of the whites towards the blacks. Furthermore, Mydral suggests that in order to end the viscous cycle of oppression, there is need to cure the prejudices of the whites (Mydral & Sissela 573). Mydral portrays the American dilemma as the apparent inconsistencies between the dejected situations of the blacks and the liberal ideals of America. For example, the American creed enshrines the belief that all people are equal and are therefore entitled to the similar rights however blacks continued to be treated as the inferior race and were denied numerous political and civil rights (Mydral & Sissela 573). 5. Discuss 2 of the theories of prejudice. The normative theory identifies the foundations of socialization experiences to be the key cause and reinforcement of prejudice. Based on this theory, one’s family, circle of friends, community and the mass media systematically reinforce beliefs and attitudes, some of these beliefs could be prejudices. The exploitation theory of prejudice formation is based on the belief that conflicting economic interests can be a cause of prejudice. According to this theory, when individuals or groups compete for employment or business clients there is bound to be a tendency that they will subscribe to different prejudices that can enable them to have a competitive advantage over their competition. In most cases, individuals or groups may form prejudices in order to justify their policies, practices or actions that would in turn discriminate certain ethnic and racial groups different from that which they belong to and direct their prejudices towards the groups or individuals that they are competing against (Marger 64-67). 6. Discuss Martin Luther King"s, " The Power of Nonviolent Action". Present an argument that either supports or opposes his thesis According to King, non-violent action was a way of life for the brave people since it fosters assertiveness in a man’s spiritual, emotional and mental dimensions. King observes that non-violent action is a way winning understanding and friendship. He ascribes the end result of non-violent actions to reconciliation, redemption and the formation of a beloved community. King believed that non-violent action was one of the most effective ways of defeating injustices, he believed that evil doers are also victims and that people should not fight people instead, they should fight injustice. In his discourse, King suggest that effective non-violent action against injustices requires people to gather information concerning the issues affecting the community thereafter they should educate others and help them understand the problems or injustices facing their community. King urges that people should remain committed to the course of justice despite of the obstacles or challenges that they are bound to encounter. King further suggests that effective non-violent action against injustices requires people to negotiate peacefully and take peaceful actions (Lemert 342). Malcom X can be considered as one of the fervent critics on the use of non-violent action in an attempt to impose change. Malcom X argued that violence was a necessary accessory of imposing evolutionary change. Furthermore, in 1960’s radical African Americans such as George Jackson argued that the concept of non-violence was a false ideal since it presupposes the existence of justice and compassion on the part of the adversary. Q7 .Discuss Durkheim"s evolutionary theory. Be sure to include the legal systems, collective conscience, why primitive societies cannot tolerate deviance, and the role of the individual in modern society. Unlike other theorist who focused on the economic aspects of social evolution, Durkheim focused on the social aspects of social evolution. He believed that just like plants and animals adapt and suit to each other with time, so do human societies as they evolve by developing social institutions. Durkheim observes that social evolutions as a progression from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity. According to Durkheim in mechanical solidarity there is less integration, people in society are self-sufficient thus there is a deep need for legal systems to use repression and force in order to hold people in society together. However in organic solidarity people are more interdependent and integrated. He observes that solidarity is realised through norms and values which he referrers to as collective consciousness. He illustrates that the role of an individual in society to facilitate and sustain collective consciousness. Durkheim notes that primitive societies cannot tolerate deviance mainly because they lack an adaptive function of crime that introduces new concepts and ideas into the society so as to prevent the society form stagnating. (Lemert 70-82). Q8. Contrast Toennies" model with Durkheim"s on the issue of modernity. Ferdinand Toennies’ model of modernity centers on the modernization process. Toennies observes that the industrial revolution contributed to the weakening of the foundations of community traditions and caused people to associate with others on self-interest basis. Toennies model of modernity does not address the cause and effect relationship between the various variable of modernity that he talks about, in this model he ignores the solidarity of close relationships within urban areas. On the other hand, the basis of Durkheim’s model of modernity is the increasing division of labour within the society. Unlike Toennies, Durkheim does not view modernization as the disintegration of community instead he views modernization as a change in the foundations of the community from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity. According to Durkheim mechanical solidarity entails shared likeness or sentiments whereas organic solidarity involves interdependence and specialization. Generally, Durkheim’s model of modernity is more optimistic than Toennies’ model (Lemert 74). Q.9 Text: Discuss an issue in the Durkheim readings that resonates with you. Be sure to explain WHY it does. One of Durkheim readings that resonate with me is his discourse on “Division of Labour in Society.” In this discourse Durkheim attempts to identify what factors hold the society together. He notes that by nature, all human beings are egoistic, however values, beliefs and norms also referred to as collective consciousness bring about social integration amongst members of the society. According to Durkheim, collective consciousness is the cornerstone of society and the main factor that brings social integration in society. He observes that it is through collective consciousness that people become aware of each other as social beings. Collective consciousness overrides the inherent egotism in people. Durkheim also recognises culture as one of the factors that hold the society together. He also addresses the issue of cultural diversity and establishes that diversity has failed to disintegrate society since it is overridden by a stronger cultural system. (Lemert 70). Personally, I consider Durkheim sentiments in this discourse very true and insightful. I hold the belief that by nature everyone is selfish and conceited and if it were not for traditional values, norms and beliefs instilled in us overtime by our parent, peers and the society at large people would result to destructive behaviours in order to fulfill their selfish needs without caring about the plight of others. Works cited Lemert Charles. Social Theory: The multicultural and classic readings. Colorado: Westview Press, 2004. Marger, Martin. Race and ethnic relations: American and Global Perspectives. New York: Cengage Learning. 2008, pp. 64-67. Mydral, Gunnar & Bok, Sissela. An American dilemma: the Negro problem and modern democracy. New Jersey: Transaction Publishers.1944, p.573. Read More