Consensus Structuralism Flashcards
What is structuralism?
The belief that society is a system made up of different parts and the study of society as a whole system.
What is Parsons theory of the structure of society?
Parsons’ organic analogy - Like a living organism with interdependent organs, society is a set of parts that are all interconnected and rely on each other.
What do functionalists argue society needs for all of the parts to function?
A value consensus.
How do functionalists believe people receive values?
They are received in two ways: passed down through socialisation in the family and enforced through social control e.g the police.
According to Durkheim, what causes an anomie?
If a society changes too quickly, values are lost before new ones are formed, creating moral confusion and instability.
Why do functionalists argue that subsystems exist?
To cater to the needs of individuals in society.
What are the four major subsystems?
For instrumental needs - political and economic subsystems e.g political parties and industries
For expressive needs - kinship and cultural subsystems e.g the family and schools and churches.
Why is the functionalist approach useful?
To show how the education system and the family works together.
To explain actions that seem unusual e.g Durkheim’s suicide study showed that what seem to be individual problems can be caused by wider issues.
What are the criticisms of the functionalist approach?
Merton (although a functionalist) says some things may be functional for some groups but cause problems for another.
Action Theorist Dennis Wrong argues that they see individuals as a product of society so doesn’t take into account free will.
Durkheim says a social phenomenon doesn’t exist if it doesn’t have a positive function.
Justifies inequality - think conflict is minimal as people accept that inequality is inevitable
Meritocracy suggests that society is already fair
Postmodernists argue society today is too diverse for functionalism to be relevant.
How does the New Right argue social order is maintained?
Through traditional values e.g the male-breadwinner and female housewife in the family maintains social stability.
Why do New Right thinkers argue that society is breaking down? Who do they blame?
Because of a decline in traditional moral standards.
They blame diverse family structures, over-generous welfare state and too much sexual freedom.
Why do feminists criticise New Right ideas?
Wanting women to focus on marriage and children and not work harms the rights of women.
Abbott and Wallace say some women are unhappily married so prioritising it can be harmful.
Tries to justify a patriarchal society.
