Family Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Family - Essay Example Thus, in the most basic terms, contemporary sociology should address functionalism in its relation to norms, customs, rites and traditions people possess to keep up a proper lifestyles in their communities so as to deliver them to youngsters. It is vital to note that family, as one of the main institutions of the society, promotes growth of the society itself. One should keep it in mind that such a growth refers to all spheres of life, not merely biological propagation. To say more, each family equally deserves appreciation on the part of the society, but not just blame as in the case with the teenage parenting. This is why living in a modern multinational society requires that individuals are likely to keep a friendly intentions and inclinations to neighbors of different decent or identity (Mitchell, 2008). Functionalism seeks to gain social equilibrium through a good functioning of the main social units, such as customs, traditions, and ability to bring awareness of the problem and make efforts to sort it out in the long and in the short run. Families and teenage parents should not be disintegrated in close accordance with the functional approach. Family is seen by many functionalists as a uniting force leading toward normal life on the whole.

To what extent does Karl von Clausewitz explain the changing nature of Essay

To what extent does Karl von Clausewitz explain the changing nature of warfare after 1798 - Essay Example Clausewitz’s main claim in his book ‘On War’ published in 1831 revolves around the fact that in order to understand warfare, it must be considered as a social phenomenon. War comes from deliberate circumstances and these circumstances make wars easier to understand. This statement was considered in the light of two conceptions of war at that time, first, that war is capable of linear solutions, and secondly, that war is basically chaotic and cannot be rationally evaluated (Gat, 1989). This view of war led to the perception that it is merely an offshoot of politics, mixed is with violence. This perception hid a more complex phenomenon. First and foremost, war has changed over time. Since social organizations have changed over the years, the nature of parties competing has also changed. Secondly, in seeking a better understanding of what is happening in conflicts, there is no longer a need to consider the military events in a political setting. Third, there is a nor mative element in the formula. Clausewitz was of the belief that force was more acceptable when it was considered as a tool for state policy. Considering the suffering caused by war, this was the justifiable reason utilized in the use of violence; however a normative failure would not negate the analytical process. (Clausewitz, eds, Howard and Paret, 1979, p. 586). In order to establish a practical understanding of war, there was a need to evaluate the relationship between military activities and the political climate of these events. On the outset, there was a direct linear link between the scale of the goal sought and the extent of force required to fulfill it. In a conflict which was carried out to conquer an opponent who aimed to totally conquer and annex a country, one is almost always certain to expect significant efforts to defeat the aggressor. On the other hand, where a smaller objective was sought, a smaller consequent action would be seen. Clausewitz was of the understand ing that events on the battlefield and in the political arena are very much related to each other. A battlefield victory might prevent other nations from being embroiled in any conflict, it may also convince them of the fact that a victor has become a threat to them (Szabo, 2008). A victory may also convince a nation that its competitor is weak and that it needs to improve its objectives. The consideration of a country deciding to intervene or step away from a conflict would