3: Consensus

Question 1

• structural functionalism

Answer 1

consensus view of society which is structured similarly to an organism with social structures as parts working together to promote stability and social order

Question 2

social structures

Answer 2

relatively stable patterns of social behaviour (law, religion, economy, division of labour, etc.) that operate relatively independently

still mutually interdependent and work together for the proper functioning of society as a whole

serve social functions as opposed to individual ones

Question 3

• social solidarity

Answer 3

degree of cohesion members of a society have owing to their interdependence

the sense that people have of being part of a broader community/collective which is bigger than themselves

Question 4

• collective consciousness

Answer 4

totality of beliefs and sentiments common to the average member of a society which forms a determinate system with a life of its own

Question 5

where do we find the basis of social solidarity in societies?

Answer 5

law ostensibly enumerates social rules within society
- tells us about the basis of social solidarity

Question 6

• mechanical solidarity

Answer 6

conditions where collective consciousness is very strong

transgressions result in strong moral reactions/aversions

law predominantly repressive/penal
- reinforcing social solidarity and re-establishing acceptable behaviour within society

Question 7

• organic solidarity

Answer 7

conditions where collective consciousness is very weak
- heterogenous society, solidarity in difference

morality vested in each individual performing their roles
- not feeling social solidarity but performing your task in aggregate since it allows society to operate functionally and to self-perpetuate

law is primarily restitutive

Question 8

• deviance

Answer 8

exists in all societies with 4 social functions
- helps society define cultural values/norms
- reinforces moral boundaries
- brings society together
- helps facilitate social change

Question 9

what is punishment for Durkheim?

Answer 9

to enhance solidarity among the rest of the community

moral institution shaped by collective values and social relationships

ritualised reaffirmation of collective values

acts as a response to the way crimes are socially perceived, not to the actual severity of the crime

amount of punishment or severity doesn’t reflect the real state of crime/deviance in that society

NOT a tool since crime/deviance exist regardless in society