Functional Superiority

Functional Superiority
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Word Count = 404
Functional Superiority
George Herbert Mead provides his ideology about what constitutes an ideal society. In his explanations, formations of what he terms as a “universal society” enable everyone to live to their full potential. Furthermore, it puts people in a position where they can significantly contribute to the development of their community. Mead argues that the society is responsible for creating a universal whole with precise definitions and guidelines on the appropriate actions everyone should abide by when relating with each other (Duncan 2017). He uses the concept of “functional superiority” to defend his logic on the coexistence of universal society and democracy. According to Puddephatt (2017), functional superiority gives one a superior sense of self and at the same time makes one see the benefit and significance of one’s unique contribution in creating a friendly relationship with other people.
Universal society and democracy according to Mead’s concept is only possible if each community puts any selfish thoughts and ideas aside and adopts those that benefit them and others. Moreover, everyone is expected to be aware of the consequences of their actions and the effect it will have on other people from other societies (Aboulafia 2016). In this case, Mead’s idea, if adopted by everyone around the world, can help reduce criminal activities, increase the number of people and countries willing to help out eradicated health and social problems such as disease outbreaks and poverty in the world.

In the process, factors such as impunity and corruption that limit the existence of democracy can be easily removed after the reduction of the gap between the rich and the poor and everyone benefiting equally from the countries resources.
Throughout the course, I have realized that Individual potential and expression in a democratic setting can only be attained when people are motivated to have intentions meant to positively affect the lives of other people without any plans to dominate them. An example of a prosperous universal society I was able to relate to was the United Nations. The organization has successfully united countries around the world and through them; states are implementing policies that improve the lives of people across the globe. To enable such as concept work in my society, I will encourage each member and family to recognize the other families by asserting themselves. Furthermore, I will ensure each family is represented within the society meeting forums and policies drafted to build a universal functional community.

References
Aboulafia, Mitchell. 2016. George Herbert Mead and the Unity of the Self. European Journal of Pragmatism and American Philosophy, 8(VIII-1).
Duncan, Hugh Dalziel. 2017. Communication and social order. Routledge.
Puddephatt,  Antony. 2017. George Herbert Mead. In The Interactionist Imagination (pp. 95-119). Palgrave Macmillan, London.