The social movement to be discussed is the gay rights movement. Historically, several crusades have brought about revolutionary transformation for a specific group in American society. These have altered the lives of individuals in that group together with transforming the perspectives of society in general. The gay rights movement, which is a social reform movement, is one that has brought such a transformation (History.com Editors, 2017). For many decades, members of the gay community in the United States have shifted from lives full of discretion to proud and open affirmations of their sexual orientations. Although homosexuality has been present throughout history many cultures across the globe viewed such associations as unlawful and unethical (History.com Editors, 2017).. Many lesbians and gays were prosecuted as offenders.
In 1973, members of the American Psychiatric Association acknowledged that homophobia was a genuine social issue, and spoke in favor of anti-prejudice laws that would safeguard gay and lesbian Americans (History.com Editors, 2017). One macrostructural explanation of social movements that can be applied to the gay rights movement is the Functionalism Perspective. The Functionalist theory generally concentrates on the macro-level of social structures, originating from the works of Emile Durkheim (History.com Editors, 2017). It also puts more emphasis on the order and consensus that is present in society, concentrating on common public values and social balance. When a portion of the system is dysfunctional, it affects other parts and creates social challenges, resulting in social transformation.
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Functionalists view same-sex associations as short-term societal disturbances, whose only solution is to challenge them via the legal system (History.com Editors, 2017). They also emphasise on the significance of controlling sexual behavior so as to guarantee marital solidity and family balance. That is why the Functionalism theory does not advocate for homosexuality as an acceptable alternative for heterosexuality. This explanation accounts for the origin of the gay rights movement by indicating the disconnect that was present in the society. Before 1969, gay and lesbian organizing was swept under the rug. However, following an NYPD raid of a gay bar in Greenwich Village, workers and drag performers were arrested. An estimated 2,000 LGBT supporters of the bar took on the law enforcement, coercing them into the club (History.com Editors, 2017). A year later, gay rights activists held a parade to remember the revolt, marking the start of Pride parades ever since.
Reference
History.com Editors. (2017). ‘ Gay rights .’ Retrieved on 25 July, 2019 from https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/history-of-gay-rights
Question Two
An individual’s location in the social structure tends to impact the person’s occupational and educational attainment, psychological health, a sense of belonging, and values. Every individual takes up a position in a social system. It is the associations among these positions that make up the social structure (Collier, 2018). Some of studies indicate that individuals who are part of social networks are less likely to be unconstructively affected by stress and are less likely to fall ill (Collier, 2018). Furthermore, advantageous social settings are connected to fewer complications in the course of pregnancy, less health issues during stressful times of life, and quick recovery from disease.
Education has an influence on values in that educated individuals are more open to novel experiences, more interested in public affairs, and are more autonomous from power (Collier, 2018). With regards to occupation, males whose jobs are not closely monitored and more complicated place superior worth on duty, curiosity, and good sense (Collier, 2018). Occupational status is considered a significant element of social standing as well as a significant determinant of lifestyle and income. Achievement is influenced by education, indirectly by background (Collier, 2018). In society, individuals improve their position through upward mobility, which is the shifting from a job lower in reputation and income to a more superior one.
Reference
Collier, R. (2018). Social Structure and Social Interaction . London: ETP.
