Which Sociological Perspective Would Likely Contend That The Role Of The Mass Media Is To Provide Socialization, Enforce Social Norms Through Public Events, And Create Social Stability And Cohesion Through Collective Experiences?

The answer to the question of what sociological perspective would likely contend that mass media has a role of providing socialization, enforcing social norms via public events and creating social cohesion and stability through collective experiences has got to be the functionalist perspective.

• Functionalist Perspective

According to functionalism, or the functionalist perspective, each and every aspect of society is dependent on, and contributes to, the functioning of society as a whole.

The belief is that a society is held together by a social cohesion, or consensus, where the society's members agree on what is best for their society and work together in order to achieve that aim. There are two possible types of consensus, or solidarity, namely mechanical and organic solidarity.

• Mechanic Solidarity

This is the type of social cohesion where a society's members have similar beliefs and values, as well as partaking in similar work. This type is most commonly found in simple, traditional societies, such as the Amish community or those where everyone farms or herds goats or cattle, for instance.

• Organic Solidarity

Here, members of a society hold varying beliefs or values and work in different areas, but are nonetheless interdependent. Organic consensus is most commonly found in complex, industrialized societies.

• Mass Media

This is where the mass media has its greatest influence. By providing common interests both through informational and recreational input, it creates a consensus even among those of very different values or beliefs.

Its influence is not restricted to a particular section of a community, like a specific workplace, a place of religious worship etc, would do, but reaches everyone on all levels of society. It is subsequently able to manipulate social norms; create talking points, thereby socializing, and allow important events to be witnessed or experienced by the masses, creating solidarity and consequently stability.

Interactionist perspective