Australia's Diverse and Rich Culture
Australia is a nation with a very diverse and rich culture. This is a result of the crucial social connections that occur amongst other Australian society members. Numerous social institutions and social agents on the continent have significantly influenced the way its social environment is structured. The three main sociological perspectives— the functionalist perspective, the social conflict theory, and the symbolic interactionist theory— are as a result all social actors and institutions (Calhoun, Gerteis, Moody, Pfaff, Virk, 2012).
Symbolic Interactionism Theory
According to the symbolic interactionism theory, which has been heavily promoted by American sociologists, symbol is the cornerstone of social existence. The theory emphasizes how our behavior is defined by that of others. This theory largely develops the Australian community and smaller agents of socialization such as the family. The Australian family has a role of sex regulation, reproduction, and perpetuation of the human race. It also provides a platform for nurturing and socializing children (Aurobindo, Karl, 1988). Symbolic interactionism also suggests that our identity is shaped by social interaction. We develop our self-concepts by observing others especially our peers. In Australia, there are various peer groups influences one most at adolescent. During this stage, one learns from others and his or her taste for music, food, clothes and other aspects of life from their teenage friends. The negative part of the peer friendship is the peer pressure (Aurobindo, Karl, 1988).
Social Conflict Theory
The Marxism or the social conflict theory sees the society as a framework of class conflicts and focuses on the struggle over the scarce resources by individuals in society. The society is also composed of different groups and interest competing for power and resources. In this theory, Karl Max suggested that the society goes through stages of development (Aurobindo, Karl, 1988). As it evolves from agriculture to the industrial stage, the need for survival is replaced by the concern of marketing profits. Industrialization impacts to two classes of people: the bourgeoisie, who are the owners of factors of production and the proletariats, who are the workers and earn wages (Aurobindo, Karl, 1988). The economic institutions of socialization of Australia developed in this way. The economic institutions such as banking systems, industries, marketing and credit systems are owned by the rich. The other members of the social workers in these institutions to meet their daily needs, and in the process, socialization takes place.
Religion in Australia
The social conflict theory might also have contributed to the development of religion in Australia. The Australia's Abonginal people developed the animist spirituality. Christianity is also a major religion with denominations like the Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist and Lutheran churches. Karl Marx in his theory suggests that religion is the opium of masses in that it comforts them from the distress of suffering that is associated with the working class lifestyle and focuses their attention on spirituality. The poor socialize into a religion and comes into a belief that they will get rewarded after death. Other faiths in Australia include Muslim, Buddhism, and Jews. All these religions as platforms of socialization provide a means by which individuals can face their problems with strength and fortitude.
Functionalist Theory
The functionalist theory postulates that the society is a system of interconnected parts that work in coherence to keep a state of equilibrium in the society. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the society by focusing on how one part affects the other. Elements of the society are functional if there is a social stability and a considered dysfunctional if social stability is disturbed. The commonwealth of Australia administers the regulatory function of law and order and maintains security. The government in Australia largely depends on the accepted patterns of behavior accepted by the members of the society (Calhoun, Gerteis, Moody, Pfaff, Virk, 2012).
References
Chattopadhyaya, D. P., & Chattopadhyaya, D. P. (1988). Sri Aurobindo and Karl Marx: Integral sociology and dialectical sociology. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
In Calhoun, C. J., In Gerteis, J., In Moody, J. W., In Pfaff, S., & In Virk, I. (2012). Classical sociological theory. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.
