Sociological Analysis of Contemporary Issues: NHS and Social Change

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary sociological issues, examining the interplay between structure and agency, the process of socialization, and the dynamics of group formation within the context of the National Health Service (NHS). It explores how societal constructs, such as social class, race, ethnicity, and gender, categorize social actors and influence their behaviors. The report further investigates the relationship between social change, structure, and public services, offering a critical evaluation of structural theory and its impact on individuals and groups. The analysis covers various aspects, including interdependence, group cohesion, and the stages of group development, while also considering the influence of technology and past successes on group formation. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and their implications for understanding the complexities of contemporary society.

Contemporary
Sociological Issues

Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.......................................................................................................................................................3
Structure vs Agency.............................................................................................................................3
Socialization..........................................................................................................................................4
Group Formation...................................................................................................................................5
Critical Analysis of Structural Theory.................................................................................................6
Societal Constructs...............................................................................................................................6
Social Change.......................................................................................................................................8
Contemporary issues & Public Services............................................................................................8
Social Change, Structure & Public Services.....................................................................................9
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Sociological issues can be divided into different types based on their relation to
different causes. This can include social factors, cultural factors, economic or political
factors. A contemporary issue can be defined as an idea, opinion or idea in a particular
area that is relevant to the present. Organization chosen for this report is National
Health Service or NHS, an organization that provides health services to the public
(Anthony, Campos-Castillo and Horne, 2017). This report provides an explanation of
structure vs agency and how they are constructed along with a theoretical review of
socialization and the way in which it influences the overall development of individuals. A
critical analysis of the structural theory including its impact on groups and individuals in
the contemporary society. The report also describes the different ways in which social
class, race, gender etc. are used to categorize social actors. Apart from this, a critical
evaluation of the relationship between social change and structure and the impact of
contemporary issues is also included in the report. This is followed by a conclusion and
findings.
TASK 1
Structure vs Agency
In sociology, structure can be defined as the factors of influence like religion,
gender, social class, customs etc. that limit an agent as well as their decisions. In other
words, it is the arrangement of institutions wherein human beings interact and live
together within a society. Agency on the other hand, can be defined as the capacity of
individuals to act without depending upon anyone and make their own choices. The
debate of structure vs agency can help in determining if a person acts in a manner that
is dictated by social issues or if he/she acts as a free agent (Artjukhina, 2017). Different
key thinkers have defined structure in different ways like Radcliff-Brown has defined
structure as a part of all social relations. On the other hand, according to S.F. Nadal,
structure refers to an ordered arrangement or articulation of parts. In simple words, it is
referred to as a network of social relationship which is created when human beings
interact with each other (Social Structure, 2020). The relationship between structure and
agency is an ever-evolving dialectic. Therefore, while the lives of individuals are shaped

by an already existing social structure, they do not have the ability or agency to make
decisions on their own.
The dominant theory basically explains the reason behind why social structures
seem to be supported by a hierarchy of groups that are based on a number of traits.
These hierarchies may be based either on gender, age economic status or any other
characteristics (Bantock, 2017). The theory was developed by Jim Sidanius and Felicia
Pratto in the year 1999. They made an attempt to explain how and why social structures
seem to be supported by hierarchy groups. Hierarchies in this model comprise of a
hegemonic group at the top, while the bottom consists of negative reference groups.
Socialization
Socialization can be referred to as the process wherein the norms and ideologies
of a society are internalized. In simple words, socialization ca be defined as the process
through which a person acquires the culture of the group that they move in. The concept
addresses the two major problems like the problem of societal continuity as well as
individual development. Through socialization, a person learns to be part of a social
group, a community or society. This is not only beneficial for the individual, but the
group as well because they can sustain themselves in an effective manner. At a greater
level, socialization ensures that there is a process through which norm and customs of a
society are further transmitted. Socialization prepares the people within a group,
community or society by teaching them the shared norms, values and beliefs.
Socialization has various benefits associated with it as it presents the expectations of a
group from an individual.
The primary role of an individual is to familiarize people with the norms of a
particular group or society. It has three goals which include teaching impulse control,
developing a conscience and prepare them to perform certain social roles. Socialization
significantly contributes to the overall development of individuals (Findlay and
Thompson, 2017). Individuals start responding to the norms as well as values of the
society with the help of socialization. This contributes to the overall development of the
individual and thus, they become the part of the group. This is because they not only
understand the values and norms, but also start demonstrating the same in their day to

day behavior. This further leads to an overall development of the society and the person
becomes a distinguished individual who shares culture with the group which they are a
part of. All of these patterns play a significant role in shaping the mentality of individuals.
Group Formation
National Health Service is a public service organization that provides health care
services to the people living in the United Kingdom. The organization is specialized in
mental health, cancer, psychological therapies and diabetes. There are various factors
that influence the development of groups within a company. Thee factors can include
social interaction, interdependence, perception of the group members etc.
Interdependence can be referred to as a situation wherein all the group members are
mutually dependent on each other (Grusky, 2019). Having positive interaction among
the group members is an important component of development of groups within the
respective organization. This allows the group members to work comfortably with each
other, without any conflicts. Groups that have a group cohesion have members who are
more satisfied, committed to their work and at the same time communicate effectively
with each other. NHS has various groups that are that have the responsibility of
providing different services to the people. Another important factor that influences the
development of groups is the satisfaction level of group members. This is important
because if the members of the group are not satisfied, they will not be able to perform in
the desired way and this will affect the overall performance of the group.
There are five stages of group development, namely forming, storming, norming,
performing and adjourning. The size of the group also plays an important role because if
the size of the group is small, there will be more cohesiveness as compared to large
groups. The degree of dependency among the team members can also influence the
overall development of groups. Respective company understands the importance of
having groups wherein the members are comfortable and share a positive relation with
each other (Iqbal, 2017). Therefore, it conducts various training sessions for its
employees wherein the team members of different groups get an opportunity to work
with each other and understand each other. This helps them in performing effectively
whenever they are assigned mutual tasks. Cooperation also plays a very important role

in the overall development of a group. This is because it helps them to share their
personal ideas, suggestions and recommendations and thus, demonstrate effective
teamwork. Lastly, past successes also affect the formation of groups significantly and
therefore, should be taken into mind. These are some of the factors that influence the
overall development of groups within an organization. And group formation can
significantly affect the overall performance of the team members as well as organization
on the whole.
Critical Analysis of Structural Theory
A structural theory is the one that is basically inclined towards organizing a set of
propositions. Individuals and groups play a major role in the contemporary society within
an organization because they ensure that goals and objectives are achieved effectively
(Koyama, 2018). The various structural influences can include perspectives and
perceptions of the participation, community satisfaction, organization etc. The structural
theory in sociology sees the whole society as a structure with parts that are interrelated
and designed to meet the social needs of the society. There are many structural factors
that can have an influence on the groups as well as individuals. Some of the factors
include law, politics, religion, structure of the organization, culture, location. Technology
can also act as a major factor that can influence individuals and teams because if the
members of the team will be comfortable in using technology, they will perform
effectively. This is because in modern society, organizations want employees who are
trained effectively and are comfortable in adapting themselves to the same. Therefore,
these are the factors that can influence individuals as well as groups within an
organization.
Societal Constructs
A social actor can be defined as any individual or an organization that interacts
with other groups or individuals in order to take an action towards social reform. Social
class, race, ethnicity as well as gender can be used to effectively categorize the
different social actors relating to political, social as well as economic constructs. There
are five social classes, namely upper, upper-middle, middle, working and lower (Lustig
and Weiler, 2018). Social actors can be categorized based on the same because at

different levels they can contribute as per the same. This is because if a country is
politically stable, then people living there will not face any kind of problem in contributing
to social reform. Therefore, social class is a factor that can be used to categorize social
actors in the society.
Talking about race, it refers to the distinct physical differences that various
groups as well as cultures consider to be significant socially. There are may countries
wherein social actors are also categorized based on their race. The UK has various
social races like Asian, Black, White, Chinese etc. and they belong to their respective
groups. Due to this, there are different social constructs which can be defined as an
idea or thought that has been created and also accepted by people within a society
(McCombs, 2017). This means that people belonging to different races will share their
ideas and thoughts with people of their society. This will affect the overall actions of
different social actors belonging to different social groups. Therefore, various categories
are created which have led to creation of different groups within the society.
Ethnicity on the other hand, can be defined as a particular category of people
that are related to each other basically because of common similarities like language,
culture, nation, history etc. Individuals as well as groups can also be categorized on the
basis of ethnicity. It is an important factor because it provides the members of the group
with self-identification as well as membership. If the groups within a society will be
categorized based on ethnicity, it will affect the way in which members of those groups
function. There can also be other factors that can be categorized in relation to different
constructs. Therefore, all these factors should be kept in mind while categorizing the
same. Different constructs can include social, economic and political constructs.
Lastly, social actors can also be categorized based on their gender, male and
female. Females might take different actions to address certain social issues, while men
may have a completely different outlook for the same and vice versa. This can also be
based on their respective income levels as well as backgrounds (Micklin and Choldin,
2019). This is because it will influence the way that they choose different social issues
that are to be addressed. Social constructs can play a major role in this process and
allow the social actors to make effective decision. Therefore, these are some of the

ways in which gender, race, ethnicity as well as social class can be categorized in
relation to different constructs like political, social and economic.
Social Change
Social change can be defined as changes in the human interactions as well as
relationships between them that transform culture. These changes occur over time and
can cause long term consequences. Values can be defined as a culture's standard for
observing what is acceptable and just in the public arena. Qualities are profoundly
installed and basic for transmitting and showing a culture's convictions. Convictions are
the fundamentals or feelings that individuals hold to be valid. People in a general public
have explicit convictions, yet they likewise share aggregate qualities (Miller and
Holstein, 2017). Qualities help shape a general public by proposing what is acceptable
and terrible, wonderful and appalling, looked for or kept away from. Social convictions
are the convictions by which bunches in a network recognize themselves. Those
disappointed with the authority may frame crusades to advance their thoughts. For
example, NHS takes into account various social changes that relate to cultural values
as well as beliefs.
There can be various implications of this which can include the society being
affected because of social changes. It is suggested that all the different social changes
should be taken into considerations. This is because it will help in making effective
decisions as well as performance of the company. Social change is way human
connections and connections change social and social organizations after some time,
having a significant effect of society. Connections have changed, establishments have
changed, and social standards have changed because of these social change
developments. Social change has been fast in late decades, with systems, changing
jobs of people inside society. The pace of mechanical advancement is quicker and
quicker (Mondada, 2019). A portability rich populace, reluctant to forego the versatility
opportunities with age and with youthful computerized ages with various worth sets
which request new kinds of portability – another existence where transport modes
become connections to cell phones; and the entire locus of portability control and
consistent development moves to the client.

Contemporary issues & Public Services
Contemporary issues can be defined as an event or idea that is relevant to the
present. There are various contemporary issues that can have an impact on different
public services. One of the contemporary issues is poverty, which can affect the overall
health of the people who are poor or are vulnerable. Poverty leads to adverse effects on
the overall health of people because people are forced to live in different environments
that can make them sick. This can include living without a shelter, lack of clean water or
inadequate sanitation (Ritzer and Stepnisky, 2017). Poor and defenseless people are
frequently most noticeably awful influenced, denied of the data, cash or access to
wellbeing administrations that would assist them with forestalling and treat sickness.
Extremely poor and helpless individuals may need to settle on brutal decisions –
intentionally putting their wellbeing in danger since they can't see their kids go hungry,
for instance.
Overpopulation is another contemporary issue that has been affecting the
environment protection a lot. One of the major impacts is globalization which can further
lead to a rise in the overall weather conditions as well as the sea level. Human
overpopulation is among the most squeezing ecological issues, quietly disturbing the
powers behind a worldwide temperature alteration, natural contamination, living space
misfortune, the 6th mass annihilation, serious cultivating rehearses and the utilization of
limited normal assets, for example, new water, arable land and petroleum products.
This can also lead to a depletion in natural resources (Effects of Human
Overpopulation, 2014). The structure of the world's environments changed all the more
quickly in the second 50% of the twentieth century than whenever in recorded
mankind's history, and for all intents and purposes the entirety of Earth's biological
systems have now been altogether changed through human activities. Therefore,
overpopulation and poverty are two of the most common contemporary issues that can
affect environment protection as well as health care services.
Social Change, Structure & Public Services
Structure in sociology can be referred to as an arrangement of different
institutions wherein people within a society interact with each other. The concept is
usually associated with the concept of social change due to which there is a change in
the structure of the society (Roth, 2018). Social change can be referred to as any kind
of changes that are made to the social structure of the society. This can include
introducing changes in behavior, cultural symbols, social organizations etc. Despite the

fact that it is commonly concurred that the term social structure alludes to regularities in
public activity, its application is conflicting. For instance, the term is once in a while
wrongly applied when different ideas, for example, custom, convention, job, or standard
would be progressively exact. Investigations of social structure endeavor to clarify such
issues as coordination and patterns in imbalance. This can include changes within the
structure of the society and making all the necessary health care services available to
the poor people who cannot afford the same.
On the other hand, overpopulation had led to creating adverse impacts on the
environment. This includes climate change and global warming etc. and therefore, there
is a need to keep a check on all these factors. Because of his damaging exercises, man
has separated an ever-increasing number of minerals from the earth. Creatures have
been pursued and plants have vanished. There has been loss of biodiversity. These
have prompted natural lopsidedness (Spinardi, Bisby and Torero, 2017). Human
populace increment is identified with deforestation. More individuals mean we need
more food, more wood items, and more kindling. Deforestation thusly prompts a
decreased capacity to catch CO2, in this manner maddening the ozone harming
substance issue. Concentrated cultivating and exorbitant utilization of composts and
pesticides have prompted over-abuse of land and water assets. These have prompted
land debasement as soil disintegration, water logging and salination. Therefore, the
relation between social change and structure is very significant and interrelated.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that people within a society and all of
them behave in different ways from each other. Also, there are various sociological
issues that prevail within a society. The debate on structure and agency has been going
on from a very long time. Socialization can significantly impact the overall development
of individuals and the overall process of group formation. It is a process which includes
five steps namely, forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. Apart from
this, there re various structural influences can also have an influence on groups as well
as individuals in the contemporary society. There are various ways in which race,
ethnicity, gender etc. can be used in order to categorize social actors. Social actors are

people who are who take action towards addressing a social problem within the society.
Also, social change as well as structure are interrelated with each other.

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