Durkheim's functionalist theory

Question 1

what did Durkheim’s theory play a role in understanding?

Answer 1

it played a role in understanding how societies maintain order and stability.

Question 2

what do functionalists see society as based on and why is this crucial?

Answer 2

value consensus and this is crucial for maintaining order and cohesion in society

Question 3

According to functionalists, what two key functions does society have to have in order to achieve solidarity and explain each of them

Answer 3

1) socialisation: socialisation teaches individuals the shared norms, values, and beliefs of their society, allowing most members of society to agree with what is right and wrong.l
2) social control: social control helps to ensure that individuals conform to the shared norms and values.

Question 4

what does socialisation promote?

Answer 4

This promotes social cohesion, as individuals feel part of a collective group with common goals and understanding.

Question 5

what does social control promote?

Answer 5

this promotes unity and maintains social cohesion

Question 6

what did Durkheim emphasize the idea of?

Answer 6

collective conscience.

Question 7

what is the collective conscience?

Answer 7

A set of shared beliefs, values and norms

Question 8

what does collective conscience enable individuals to feel and what does it maintain?

Answer 8

These shared beliefs gave individuals a sense of belonging and guides their actions. This maintains social harmony.

Question 9

what are the two types of social control?

Answer 9

1) formal social control
2) informal social control

Question 10

what is formal social control?

Answer 10

the government, law enforcement written rules.

Question 10

what is informal social control?

Answer 10

unwritten rules and expectations enforced by families friends & etc

Question 11

what does informal and formal social control help to bring to people?

Answer 11

It helps to regulate people’s behaviour

Question 12

what did Durkheim say about crime in society?

Answer 12

He argued that crime is a normal part of society and is present in every society

Question 13

why does every society have crimes being committed?

Answer 13

No society can have total conformity, because of individual differences and diverse experiences.

Question 14

what do Functionalists see too much crime as?

Answer 14

Functionalists see too much crime as a weakened society.

Question 15

what do two adjectives do functionalists describe crime as?

Answer 15

inevitable and universal.

Question 16

what did Durkheim say? (a quote)

Answer 16

‘crime is normal, an integral part of all healthy societies’

Question 17

what does crime arise from?

Answer 17

Crime arises from the variation in individual beliefs, values and behaviours.