The functionalists would argue that all holidays are
occasions to unify the group and bring people together (this of course has a
particular meaning exclusive to this holiday…). Rituals like these allow us to
celebrate the values we hold sacred and affirm our sense of who we are (our
‘we-ness’). Which values exactly does Valentine’s Day celebrate?
Love. Our culture’s version of romantic love is celebrated
in Valentine’s Day cards and boxes of chocolate. Pay attention to commercials
and advertisements and you’re likely to see the following variants on the
following love themes:
1. True love
can strike without prior interaction (“love at first sight”).
2. For each
of us, there is only one other person who will inspire true love.
3. True love
can overcome any obstacle.
4. Our
beloved is (nearly) perfect.
5. We should
follow our feelings; we should base our choice of partners on love rather than
on other, more rational considerations.
Heternormativity - Heteronormativity is the idea that there
are two (and only two) complementary genders and that heterosexuality is not
only the ‘normal’ sexual orientation but correct and characterizes most (all)
people. Heteronormativity is embedded within society’s institutions and in this
case, holidays. Discussion of Valentine’s Day presupposes a heterosexual
relationship, thus reinforcing the idea that this is the correct type of relationship.
The symbolic interactionists would point to Valentine’s Day
scripts which are culturally proscribed event schemas or outlines for how
events unfold. We all know them and they set the stage for the holiday. The
Valentine’s script probably involves dinner, roses and chocolate. We all know
what is expected and what to expect; and it is because of these cultural
scripts. Can you imagine a couple together for six months and one person in the
relationship ignores Valentine’s Day? Not good for that person!
And of course, the conflict theorists would explain the
reliance on these cultural values is because they can be used to manipulate us
into consumption. They are used exploitatively to sell us stuff as well as
reinforce those in power’s definition of love that requires purchasing greeting
cards, candy and jewelry.
Answer the following in the comments section:
How do you view Valentine's Day? Do you see it more from the functionalist, symbolic interactionist, or conflict theorist perspective? Explain. You must also respond to one classmate.
I view Valentine's day through the lens of a conflict theorist. This holiday is similar to others such as Christmas in that the original values have been skewed by large corporations such as Coca-Cola in order to increase their profit. For example, Santa used to stand for helping the needy and not expecting anything back but now children see it as an opportunity to get expensive electronics as long as they conform to society's definition of 'nice'
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, except the companies use commercials to emphasize love for the public so they will but the product.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI am a conflict theorist as I believe that modern Valentine’s Day is a way for companies to make money. Humans are social creatures and we want to be loved, so during a holiday that celebrates love which puts it more on our mind than most days companies are smart to market their products around the idea of love. Thus they produce commercials which use the idea of love to sell products.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that companies are smart to market their products on special occasions, but then again humans are also simply too gullible and would buy anything that they deem are worthy of.
DeleteWith Americans spending almost $20 billion on gifts, cards, and romantic dinners for their sweethearts each Valentine's Day, the conflict theory perspective seems to be the most plausible. I agree with Issoufou that the original intentions of Valentine's Day were more pure and less material based, but--like every good thing in this country--it is being ruined by money.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else who has commented so far that conflict theory is the permissible perspective of today's Valentine's Day. In this modern commercial-like society, large companies are gaining tremendous amount of profits from simple holidays such as Valentine's Day and Saint Patrick's Day by advertising materialistic products and gestures to the public. In consequential to this attitude, Valentine's Day had lost its true agenda which is the idea of love.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that the original purpose of Valentine's is completely lost due to the influence of society's need for material gifts.
DeleteThe purpose of valentines day hasn't been lost. Society still thinks of valentines day to be a day to rensure others of how much you care for them, companies make a bigger profit as well .
DeleteI agree with the conflict theorist prospective. I think Valentine's day has become a day that companies use to sell stuff. Society has changed the origibal purpose of Valentines day into a day bases on material gifts.
ReplyDeleteI agree, society has lost the true meaning behind the holiday. It is all about trying to please one another rather enjoying one another.
DeleteI agree with zee there are still couples who rejoice in each other's love rather than worry about the "roses and chocolate".
DeleteI beleive that valentines day is a day creates to bring people together , therefore I am a funtionalist .Valentines day is a day to remember how much you care for your loved ones and to remind your friends and family how much you love them .I dont think that it is a day made for stores to make more profit by selling valentines day supply, decorations, cards, ect. Stores just take advantage of this oppurtunity.
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from, companies do take advantage of Valentine's Day and for that some people feel that they HAVE to meet certain expectations in order to please their partners. Companies urge them to "do better" through commercials for larger bouquets, bigger diamond necklaces or whatever else is being advertised on TV. I feel Valentine’s Day has lost its original intent and now is just a day to show who has the better partner or the most expensive/outrageous gift.
DeleteI do understand the value and purpose of Valentine's Day, to be with the person you love. But honestly you should not just show it on one day, do it all the time. I do agree that large brand name companies like hershey are taking advantage of the situiation with this holiday and all of them. Sometimes we forget the real meaning in why we even celebrate.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, many companies take advantage of this holiday to make profits off of people who want to please their loved ones with special things in this one particular day of the year, when they could also do it any other time of the year
DeleteI would agree more with the conflict theorist perspective. Valentines day is filled with consumerism where people expect to get gifts from their loved ones and even become upset if they don't get the fancy necklace they wanted. Companies put out commercials that make us feel as though we can simply buy our loved ones appreciation through a nice piece of jewelry and chocolates.
ReplyDeleteSome may feel pressured to be showered in chocolates or extravagant gifts. While all the other couples are basking in their material tokens of love, one would most likely feel out of place or dejected if their partner didn't get them anything for the holiday.
DeleteI see Valentine’s Day from both the symbolic interactionist and conflict theorist perspectives. As said in previous comments, companies are gaining significantly larger profits on holidays/days such as Valentine’s Day. They advertise to push customers to their spending limit as the now enforced idea of Valentine’s Day is “Go above and beyond because if you don’t you’re a terrible partner”. Boxes of chocolates and roses in particular remain with Valentine’s Day long after society moves on to the next holiday. Honestly I don’t see many people giving their partners big boxes of chocolates on any other day besides Valentine’s Day. In our society we have made chocolate and roses symbolic in Valentine’s Day and society as a whole dare not to disturb what has already been settled.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, I understood that February 14th was a day where everyone was obligated to give their friends or loved one (boy+girl) cards, chocolates, or other kinds of gifts. Now I view the celebration of Valentine's Day as a chance to show affection and/or appreciation to those who matter most to you. There is validity in every one of the student's comments and perspectives, but the one I identify the most with is the functionalist perspective.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with the functionalist view because I do believe valentines day brings people together because the holiday is centered around love for another person rather it is a partner or family member, your sharing your love toward them.
ReplyDelete