Consensus structuralism Flashcards
What is structuralism?
Seeing society as parts that come together
What is social solidarity?
Durkheim’s idea that society has a consensual nature
What is the organic analogy?
Parsons - society is like a living organism, it has different organs that are interconnected and interdependent
What is a value consensus?
Durkheim - everyone has shared values and norms
How is the value consensus maintained?
- passed through generations
2. reinforces through social control e.g non-conformity is punished
What is an anomie?
Durkheim - if society changes too quickly and a set of values are lost before new ones are formed
What parts of society do functionalists argue cater to our instrumental needs?
- political parties
2. industries
What parts of society do functionalists argue cater to our expressive needs?
- marriage and family
2. schools and churches
Why is the functionalist approach useful?
- macro theory so shows how the main institutions work together
- helps to explain activities and actions that seem unusual e.g Durkheim’s suicide study - blames lack of religion
Why can the functionalist approach be criticized?
- ignores conflict
- doesn’t consider free will
- focuses on positives
- Durkheim says if something doesn’t have a function then it doesn’t exist (social phenomenon)
- justifies inequality
- Postmodernists say it’s outdated as modern society is too diverse
How do the New Right believe social order is maintained?
Through traditional institutions and values
What do the NR say is the most important social institution?
The family
How can the NR be criticized?
- feminists say that wanting women to focus on marriage harms their rights
- Abbott and Wallace - some women are in abusive marriages so it’s wrong to prioritize marriage
- NR is attempting to justify patriarchy
