Think back to the macro theory discussion. Which (initial) discussion post (not counting your own post) did you find most helpful? Why? PLEASE PROVIDE WHY THIS POST IS HELPFUL. THE POST CHOSE IS MASEN'S POST WHICH I PROVIDE UNDER THIS SENTENCE.Religion is a social institution that has a large scale effect on a community. A great example of this is how the Islamic roots of Egypt shapes the culture of the people living there. Social institutions like religion and law, two staples in Egyptian culture, make up functionalism. The functionalist theory explains how different institutions build off, and work with each other to create a unique social structure in society. English philosopher Hebert Spencer compared the intertwining of social institutions to the many systems within the human body. Another philosopher by the name ofÉmile Durkheim expanded upon Spencer's ideas and used it to explain change over time in culture.
The Islam religion in Egypt portrays functionalism well because of how it creates structure for the everyday people living there. Muslims are devoted to following the prayer schedule, and it influences moral decisions made on an everyday basis. Islam is an example of a social institution that has a large effect on other institutions from how families are structured, education, and other everyday needs. Egypt is also known for it's system of law that is not influenced heavily by religion. Having civil law codes shows how religion and law makers work together to create a fair system for the courts. Religion and law work together but are not the same thing. Having a distinction between the two creates a balance that helps keep society run smoothly and effectively. Another reason a strong law system is needed, is to keep dysfunctions to a minimum. By getting rid of anything dragging down the Egyptian society, it can create new positive change.
Having a distinction between religion and law allows for the Egyptian culture to be successful and continue to develop and diversify down the road. The functionalist theory was developed to explain how different pieces of a society worked together to allow it to run. At the same time, dysfunctions and unrests lead to conflict and significant change. In the end, Egyptian society is built off an intertwined system of social institution like religion and law that allows for growth over time.
Linda, S., & Arnold, S. (2012). Global Sociology: Introducing Five Contemporary Societies (6th Edition). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US).https://online.vitalsource.com/books/0077435125(Links to an external site.)
Theoretical Perspectives - Introduction to Sociology 2e - OpenStax. (n.d.). Openstax.org. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/1-3-theoretical-perspectives