In Conflict and Order, 14th edition
Discuss the ways in which consensus toward values functions to unify a society.
Feedback: Order theorists assume that commonly held values are like social glue binding otherwise diverse people in a
cohesive societal unit. Unlike functional integration, unity is achieved here through similarity rather than through
difference. Wright and Rogers identified common values among most people in the United States such as
freedom, prosperity, efficiency, fairness, and democracy. People in the United States also demonstrate consensus
in attitudes toward unifying symbols such as the flag and the Constitution.
Source ID: 3.0.3.
Learning Objective: LO 2.2: Provide examples to demonstrate the integrative forces in society that maintain order.
Topic/Concept: The Integrative Forces in Society
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
TB_Q2.3.54
Describe some of the ways that society is fragmented in the United States. Discuss types of fragmentation, as well as
causes and effects that are discussed in the chapter.
Feedback: The chapter addresses four indicators of reduced societal cohesion: increasing polarization, declining trust in societal
institutions, the widening inequality gap, and the deepening divides over diversity. Group polarization is caused in part
by the increased number of media outlets available, which allow people to limit their exposure to only their own point
of view. Events such as fraud and deceptive advertising on the part of businesses, inadequate government oversight
and protection, and scandals in religious institutions have left people cynical and mistrustful of institutions. There is a
widening gap between the rich and poor, which now encompasses the middle class. The nation is growing, and
growing more diverse, but assimilation is unlikely, which makes conflict more likely.
Source ID: 3.0.4.
Learning Objective: LO 2.3: Provide examples to demonstrate the divides in society that lead to conflict.
Topic/Concept: The Fragmentation of Social Life: Deepening Divides in U.S. Society
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Apply What You Know
TB_Q2.4.55
Discuss the fundamental differences between social theories of order and conflict. Is there a middle ground to be
found between the two?
Feedback:The order model (functionalism or structural functionalism) describes society as ordered, stable, and harmonious,
with a high degree of cooperation and consensus. Change is gradual and reforming. All parts of society are
interdependent, which creates order and stability. The order model focuses on the functions and consequences of
social structures and activities. Conflict model theorists view society as competitive, fragmented, and unstable.
Social integration is minimal and tenuous. Social change, which can be revolutionary, results from clashes
among conflicting groups. From this perspective, people are in competition for power and resources, and those
with power take advantage of the powerless. The order and conflict models present extreme views of society.
Taken alone, each fosters a faulty perception and interpretation of society. A realistic model of society combines
the strengths of both models.
Source ID: 1.0.55
Learning Objective: LO 2.4: Analyze a social problem from the order and conflict perspectives.
Topic/Concept: Order, Conflict, and Social Problems
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skill Level: Analyze It
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