soc

Complete Source Citation:

Croteau, David and William Hoynes. Media/Society. SAGE Publications, 2013.

Fourie, Pieter Jacobus. Media Studies: Media History, Media and Society. Juta and Company Ltd, 2007.

Significant Points –

In this piece of work, we shall be discussing the significance of mainstream news media of any society and how it can be observed in the light of a sociological theory which clarifies the context in which the mainstream news media acts in any particular society. Moreover, there is also a need to observe the way in which the mainstream media has evolved with time and also keep an eye out for the intensity of expression of sentiment in different media forms. Media can be considered a part of daily communication throughout any society which takes place mainly by the newspaper, social networking handles, cell phones, etc. and it would not be wrong to say that media has proved to be a door for revolution and evolution during many times of darkness throughout the human history (Croteau and Hoynes).

Name of Theory – Functionalism

Analysis –

The theory which is under analysis here is ‘Functionalism’ and therefore, we will be scrutinizing it and comprehending its significance in the sociological fabric. In such a context, Functionalism can be described as a phenomenon which outlines the importance of several societal components such as different institutions which carry out specific underlying tasks. Functionalism entails how the work of these institutions, departments and other components of the society allows for the smooth functioning of the daily chores and therefore, the significance of these daily activities further increase as the components can be considered as extremely vital for the long term survival of the society. With time, the theory of functionalism has started to attract intellectuals who have been interested in the theoretical implications of the content which the theory presents. There is a fundamental relationship which is highlighted between all the social institution which are enshrined with the concepts of functions and the conditions which are deemed necessary for the survival of the society in the long term.

The theory of functionalism and the implications it has provided can be implemented at a very pivotal component of the society: Mainstream News Media. The media in a society takes different forms in spreading information throughout the community and therefore, the media has the capability of becoming the ears of any society. In the contemporary world, the print media, social media, and other forms of media are considered to be integral institutions in the functioning of the society and the kind of awareness which is provided to the common man by dint of media outlets is integral in the long term survival of any society (Fourie). In the history, the mainstream media in any society has played an important role in the survival of the society and as the theory of functionalism implies in a sociological context, the mainstream media has the capability of enriching the society with the ability to evolve with time.

a) Motivation –

In comparison with the entertainment industry and government policies, the topic concerning the mainstream news media seemed to be more effective in the context of having an impact at the minds of people more directly than the rest of the options.

b) Bias –

c) Academic Learning –

Question: The role played by the entertainment industry in the sociological context of a community?

Explanation:

Similar to the mainstream news media, the entertainment industry filled with celebrities who are adored and followed, has huge potential to cause any society to move in a particular direction. A very common example is how normal people try to follow trends which are set only by celebrities. This industry can also be treated as an institution and different sociological theories can be used to shed further light.