Sociological and Psychological Theories in 'Paris is Burning

Introduction:

This study is going to highlight a movie that is showing the application of sociological and psychological theory along with a message to society. The name of the movie to be critically reviewed is Paris is burning, which tries to portray the gay culture in the context of 1990. This film is developed under the direction of Jennie Livingston’s “The film Conflict theorists have also seen the family of a social arrangement benefitting men more than women. This allows men to maintain a position of power while the gay culture and LGBTQ rights are not processed. If you are researching the portrayal of LGBTQ issues in film for your psychology dissertation help, Paris is Burning offers valuable insights. It is important to give training on the social aspects of children while the impact on education and socialization of people are done. Uneven distribution of power, resources, and status within groups are conflicting the resources even more. The theory justifies the components as it merges forward. Two theories that are chosen are Social conflict theory and social cognitive theory for the justification of sociological and psychological aspects respectively.

Theory 1

Sociological Theory

Social conflict theory is chosen for the application within this process. Sociological theories are a set of explanations for human society and identify the priorities and perspectives of human psychology. Sexual identity is identified pretty much as a product of social construction and socialization. The theories are essential in terms of supporting literature and developing the strength and weakness of the chosen theory is done in this assignment while several arguments are justified (ZIZI, 2018). The argument “Paris is burning” is identified to be true as the film concentrates on an ethnographic study that is designed to upscale audiences to unfamiliar subcultures. "The Ballroom scene and yet a more widespread acknowledgment for the movie itself is culturally overdue".

Social conflict theory can be defined in terms of "individuals and groups within society that interact based on conflict rather than the consensus". Conflict theory focuses on the competition between groups, within society over limited resources (npr.org, 2021). While in this case, the struggle between a certain subculture and group is explained that focuses on the maintenance of inequality and dominance of the ruling class. The other group sometimes frustrates the aspirations, beliefs, and values held by one individual and group. Social conflict theory is identified as an important aspect to gain access to the higher class resources while democratization and liberalization education systems are required to be essentially constituted for the management of future success. “For example, conflict theory can be used to look at wars, violence, revolutions, and forms of injustice and discrimination by explaining that there is a natural disparity in society that causes these problems.” The theory can be explained using literature evidence from different sectors such as education, technology, and the distribution of power. The criminal justice system is associated with social conflict theory in the everyday lives of people. There are social conflict and injustice examples observed regarding the incident “black lives matter”.

Conflicts to the exclusion of microeconomic scale and family system are observed. Positive societal trends such as humanitarianism and peace are concerned. The theory is backed up with educational and sports advancement for different classes. The movie being reviewed is working with the ball culture of that period where establishing performances was not easy and required sociological management of positions. It is hard to identify a gender-oriented role in that culture while having a tag of LGBTQ.

Strength and weakness of the chosen theory

“The strength of conflict theory is that it seeks moral ends: the emancipation of humanity from false claims of universality." The theory suggests freedom for all and justifies the moral ground of power and position. This theory consists of weaknesses such as "ignoring the possibility that sport in capitalist societies can and may involve experiences that give individuals and groups power” (npr.org, 2021). Predictability and criticism are focused while social stability is ignored within the theory application. As the theory merges forward, the systematic evaluations can be supported and the Limitations of the conflict theory is the lack of research and funding to continue the research. The powerful minority groups that concentrate on social institutions like government, education, and religion are in the focus of natural disparity in society which causes the problem.

A strength is identified as a competition to limited resources. Individual differences are identified in terms of nature, ideology, and interests. Maintaining and reinforcing the status quo is identified within the social conflict theory. The film is associated with the components of generalization of people that understand the needs of current society with an evaluation of Trans-youth and enabling scholars to examine a particular race, class, and gender.

Application of theory to film

Promoting gay culture was an issue in the context of the 1990s. The sources of conflicts are external as gay persons are against something that is beyond their control (Chess, Gordon, & Fisher, 2019). This theory has a macro-level approach that is mostly identified with the writings of German philosopher and sociologist Karl Marx. The film Paris is burning is focusing on the concepts of managing a modern queer culture of New York. "Their race and orientation are shown to be the primary factors leading to their inability to rise through social classes.” This statement is justified with the concept of social conflict where inequalities within gender and race are dealt with by supremacy. A particular group such as the LGBTQ is not gaining their rights and many dilemmas are faced by the queer youth.

The social conflict theory is applicable as it supports the struggle between cultures and establishing rights within limited resources. 19th-century philosopher and revolutionary Karl Marx saw the society in a different vision and hence he has broken it into two classes: the "proletariat and bourgeoisie". Ruling classes kept on the oppression of black people. Discrimination is heavily impacted and the exchange of ideas is done within public spaces. Discriminatory systems against the gender preferences and participation of the LGBTQ community in particular sections are associated with this theory. The clear discrimination concepts are required to be analyzed for the social revolution observation within years of unequal treatment.

More than decades later, the movie remains an organizing tool for the gay and trans youth while 19th-century philosopher and revolutionary Karl Marx saw the society in a different vision, and the social conflict theory of inclusion is also analyzed. It is discussed earlier that society is broken into two classes: the "proletariat and bourgeoisie" (Cleves, 2021). Now the revolutionary concept of being associated with gay and trans youth and their utility in society can be encouraged. Ruling classes kept on the oppression of black people and even the trans people. Discrimination is heavily impacted and the exchange of ideas is done within public spaces. There is systematic allowance observed on the association of cultural ancestors of people and younger self-management. Abundance occurring socially due to such discrimination and the social conflict theory is identifying the reason behind it. Any potential damage to the LGBTQ of lives due to gender, race, and identity choices should be prohibited. These concepts have never been discussed before.

An honest review will consist of “Half sad, half exuberant concepts within this film”. There is significant management of social conflict as performing drag queens are discriminated against in that cultural period. The mainstream Discriminatory systems against the gender preferences and participation of the LGBTQ community in different working sectors are associated with this theory. The clear discrimination concepts are required to be analyzed for the social revolution observation within a societal subject (David, 2017). The years of unequal treatment are required to be diminished while a social equilibrium is established. The characters of this cinema are quite realistic and they are portraying the race and sexuality of individuals. Gender choices must not be affected by social discrimination. Individuals needs to understand their responsibility and outcasting of ballroom performances. “The children shown in the movie are transforming traditional drag into a potent spectacle of glamor amid hardship.”

Theory 2

Psychological theories

Social cognitive theory can be defined as the addressing of social concerns and beliefs and personality functioning. A maximum focus is given on the cognitive concepts while determining the audience's psychology (Dax, 2021). A new terminology called the "Butch queens" is discovered within this title and the origins of voguing, which is a dancing style, are discovered. There are significant psychological theories associated with the development of cognitive theory. The theory justified how a diverse range of sexual identities can create their position in society. Cognitive perspectives are associated with taxonomical structures and social incorporation of theories within the extensive systems through which surface-level thoughts are analyzed. Behavioral cognitive alignment is an idea that is used in psychology, education, and communication. The nurturing of behavior and experience occurs essentially from childhood. The establishment of behavioral stability is highlighting human behavioral management throughout the years of learning.

A person's ongoing functioning is a product of continuous interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and contextual factors. How learning results from the interaction is identified from certain aspects such as behavioral patterns and social environment. The social cognitive theory developed by Bandura assumes that cognitive processes influence personality development, growth, and changes distinctively. Self-analysis along with purposeful behavior is identified as a part of social cognitive theories whereas personality relates to socialization, expectation, and mental process. The cognitive theory represents the disequilibrium motivation for learning. Self-directed quest for content and spontaneous learning can be explained within social cognitivism.

The theory highlights essential development concepts of a particular community along with the involvement of social improvisation. The film is associated with the components of generalization of people that understand the needs of current society with an evaluation of Trans-youth and enabling scholars to examine a particular race, class, and gender. The word cognition refers to the mental processes of the brain associated with thinking, knowing, remembering and the results occurring from observing others (McGuire & Reilly, 2020). Determination of human behavior is possible through relevant skills, practices, and self-efficacy. The process engages inside personal determinants and environmental determinants along with behavioral determinants.

Strength and weakness of the chosen theory

Social cognitive theory is originally called the social learning theory, which works with reinforcement of behaviors and effects of punishments. The strengths include the inclusion of good science, a positive view of people along theoretical development (Travers, 2020). Some weaknesses specialize in a limited contribution to society. Individual differences in cognitive development are identified to be reluctant and need to become engaged within the psychological management of people. Weakness of the chosen theory is that there is lack of research seen on this particular topic and application of the essentials. The film shows reality on how the people are dominated due to their gender choices and preferences. The vagueness of literature and lack of practical example identification is done as the movie proceeds further.

Application of theory to film

This allows men to maintain a position of power while the gay culture and LGBTQ rights are not processed (Zeer et al. 2019). It is important to give training on the social aspects of children while the impact on education and socialization of people are done. Uneven distribution of power, resources, and status within groups are conflicting the resources even more. The theory justifies the components as it merges forward. The film is associated with the components of generalization of people that understand the needs of current society with an evaluation of Trans youth and enabling scholars to examine a particular race, class, and gender. This allows men to maintain a position of power while the gay culture and LGBTQ rights are not processed.

It is important to give training on the social aspects of children while the impact on education and socialization of people are done. Uneven distribution of power, resources, and status within groups are conflicting with the resources even more (ZIZI, 2018). The theory justifies the components as it merges forward. The film is associated with the components of generalization of people that understand the needs of current society with an evaluation of trans youth and enabling scholars to examine a particular race, class, and gender. a subculture of African American, Latino gay, and transgender individuals living in New York City who participate in drag balls to "perform" femininity as drag queens. One aspect of the film that catches the attention of people is performing gender". The message, which is being conducted through the film, is identified and its impact is discussed here. One can observe how the ball culture is identified as a reflection of black oppression and in this case, applicable sociological theory is social conflict theory. There are systematic theories observed that eventually support the psychological aspect of the movie, which is cognitive theory.

The cinematic representation is in support of the Trans youth and gay culture has been essentially managed using this theory. Some messages include changing of mind within the professional practices of a person (npr.org, 2021). The broader society analysis and competency are incorporated within the societal development of people and it creates sustainability within a secure development of Trans people. There is a systematic allowance of the competitive study observed within an engagement of developing mentality for acceptance of gender choices and their contribution in society.

Conclusion

The impact of cinema on society has been reviewed in this assignment. Several people engage in the development of voguing and equality of ball culture. Controversial and cultural dominance is associated with this movie. The excellent cinematography represents the two most important sociological and psychological theories of its time. Both sociological and psychological theories are associated with the movie's content as the race and orientation of a certain community of people is prioritized in this cinema. The main point of this cinema is restored in terms of identifying the position in society for the trans youth and gay culture. The film highlights the Golden age of New York City and works with the involvement of different cultural exploration.

This film has been selected for the preservation of the United States National film registry in the category of culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant processes. "The film also explores how its subjects deal with issues such as AIDS, racism, poverty, violence, and homophobia.” There are different aspects of society discovered along with discovering uses of common terms such as house mother, shade, treading, and legendary and trans subculture. Young ball workers are facing rejections due to their gender choice. Homelessness is seen as many of the children are disowned by their families. Some subjects as if the sex reassignment surgery along with transitions of physical aspects have been covered. The people are left vulnerable after they go through some kind of enhancements of features in their bodies and multi-leveled exploration of African-American and Latino subcultures are described quite well. The message is clear as it gives an indication on how there is differentiation done in between different gender choices and how they are allowed to participate in social work as a team.

References

Journals

Chess, S., Gordon, C., & Fisher, W. (2019). Introduction: Early Modern Trans Studies. Journal for Early Modern Cultural Studies, 19(4), 1-25.

Cleves, R. H. (2021). Trans America: A Counter-History. By Barry Reay. Journal of Social History.

David, E. (2017). Capital T: Trans visibility, corporate capitalism, and commodity culture. Transgender Studies Quarterly, 4(1), 28-44.

Dax, T. (2021). Enhancing local development through trans-regional cooperation: Lessons from the long-term practice of the LEADER concept. TERRA: Revista de Desarrollo Local, (8), 310-331.

McGuire, J. K., & Reilly, A. (2020). Aesthetic Identity Development Among Trans Adolescents and Young Adults. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 0887302X20975382.

Travers, T. (2020). Trans Studies and Resistance in an Academy Based on Masculinity Contest Culture. TSQ: Transgender Studies Quarterly, 7(3), 407-420.

Zeer, E. F., Tretyakova, V. S., Scherbina, E. Y., & Bukovey, T. D. (2019). Convergence as methodological basis for development of trans-professionalism of activity subjects. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews, 7(4), 1080-1085.

ZIZI, W. (2018). THE STUDY OF TRANS-CULTURE MANAGEMENT WITH BRAND BUSINESS MODEL--TAKE THE DISNEY THEME PARK AS THE EXAMPLE (Doctoral dissertation, SIAM UNIVERSITY).

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