Management Notes

Reference Notes for Management

When it comes to media and technology, a functionalist would focus on:

When it comes to media and technology, a functionalist would focus on:

 Options:

a. the symbols created and reproduced by the media
b. the association of technology and technological skill with men
c. the way that various forms of media socialize users
d. the digital divide between the technological haves and have-nots

The Correct Answer Is:

c. the way that various forms of media socialize users

Correct Answer Explanation: c. the way that various forms of media socialize users

Functionalism in the realm of media and technology focuses primarily on how various forms of media socialize users within a society. This perspective views media as a tool for social integration, maintaining order, and transmitting cultural values and norms.

In essence, functionalists emphasize the role of media in shaping and reinforcing societal cohesion and stability through shared beliefs and behaviors.

The correct answer, c. the way that various forms of media socialize users, aligns with the functionalist perspective in several ways. Functionalists believe that media serve as a mechanism for socialization, influencing individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.

They argue that media content, such as television programs, movies, advertisements, and social media, contributes to the transmission of cultural values, norms, and ideologies. For instance, television shows often depict societal norms and values, influencing viewers’ perceptions of what is acceptable or desirable.

Advertisements shape consumer behavior by promoting certain lifestyles or products, thereby influencing societal norms around consumption. Social media platforms also play a significant role in shaping users’ perceptions and behaviors by exposing them to diverse perspectives and societal trends.

Functionalists view various forms of media as essential tools for fostering social integration and stability within a society. They emphasize how media outlets, whether television, advertising, or social networks, act as agents of socialization by transmitting shared cultural values, norms, and ideologies.

Through the dissemination of information and portrayal of societal norms, media play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ understanding of what is acceptable, desirable, or expected within their community.

Functionalists argue that this shared understanding facilitated by media content contributes significantly to social cohesion, reinforcing a sense of unity and collective identity among members of a society.

Therefore, their primary focus remains on comprehending the ways in which media influence and guide individuals in adopting common beliefs and behaviors, ultimately contributing to the maintenance of social order and stability.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect?

Now, let’s delve into why the other options are not the primary focus of functionalists:

a. The symbols created and reproduced by the media:

While functionalists acknowledge the creation and reproduction of symbols by the media, their primary concern lies in how these symbols contribute to the socialization process rather than in the symbols themselves.

Functionalists would be more interested in understanding how these symbols are used to reinforce cultural norms and values, contributing to social cohesion.

b. The association of technology and technological skill with men:

While functionalists recognize patterns and associations within society, such as the association of technology with certain genders, this particular focus does not align directly with their primary concern for socialization through media.

Functionalists might acknowledge these associations as part of the broader societal dynamics but would be more interested in examining how media perpetuate gender roles or norms through their content.

d. The digital divide between the technological haves and have-nots:

While functionalists might acknowledge the impact of the digital divide on society, their primary emphasis lies in how various forms of media contribute to socialization rather than solely focusing on the disparities in access to technology.

They would be interested in understanding how access or lack thereof shapes individuals’ interactions with media and its implications for social integration.

In conclusion, functionalists prioritize the role of media in socializing individuals within a society, shaping their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.

While they acknowledge other aspects of media and technology’s impact on society, such as symbols, gender associations, and technological disparities, their primary focus lies in understanding how media serve as a mechanism for social integration and the transmission of cultural values and norms.

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