Consensus theoreis Flashcards
What are consensus theories?
- functionalism, New Right
- society works best when individuals hold the same fundamental principles about how society works and social institutions is Idk together
What is functionalism?
- functionalism sees society as like a human body with different organs contributing to the whole
- families and educational institutions socialise future workers, to produce the consumer goods and services we need
What did Durkheim (1858-1971) say about functionalise?
-in large societies people lose their sense of belonging and develop a sense of normlessness
What did Parsons (1902-79) say about functionalise?
-parsons emphasised that it is important that social institutions work together to maintain stability and continuity in society
What is the evaluation of functionalism?
+helps us operate a more efficient society
-doesn’t explain conflicts like homosexuality, racism and patriarchy
What is the new right?
- Smith argued that capitalist societies work best when there is a free market so the state should avoid interfering in the economy
- Smith argued that the market should be determined by supply and demand
What did neo-liberalist Hayek (1944) say when he reviewed Smiths ideas?
- state intervention to control the economy and reduce problems like poverty and unemployment might be well meaning but will, ultimately create more problems
- labour governments in Britain would lead to the state running people’s lives
What did the new right American political scientist Murray (1984) say?
-Murray believes that over generous benefits has led to a dependency culture whereby groups such as the unemployed and lone parents were rewarded for irresponsible behaviour forming the underclass
What is the evaluation of the new right?
- does not talk about capitalisms benefits
- studied of the unemployed and single mothers found that they do not enjoy their situations but that it’s out of their control
