Functionalism

Question 1

Micro structure

Answer 1

concerning the nature of everyday human social interactions and agency on a small scale

Question 2

Macro structure

Answer 2

concerns the social structure and broader systems

Question 3

Purpose of education

Answer 3

secondary socialisation - teach norms 
improve life chances
expand on research
preparation for the workplace
support independence
character building
provides grades

Question 4

The organic analogy

Answer 4

Parsons uses an organic analogy to compare society to biological organisms

Question 5

socialisation

Answer 5

The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable in society
individuals ae taught to do what is needed to be done
norms and values are ‘internalised’

Question 6

Social control

Answer 6

positive sanctions reward conformity

negative ones punish devience

Question 7

Functions

Answer 7

the function of any system is the contribution it makes to meeting the systems needs

Question 8

logical criticism

Answer 8

Functionalists state that things exist because of their function

Question 9

Conflict perspective criticism

Answer 9

society is not harmonious

this view is harmful as it legitimises the status quo and inequality

Question 10

Action theory criticism

Answer 10

functionalists view people as puppets on strings who have no free will.
however its the opposite
individuals create society not the other way around

Question 11

postmodernist criticism

Answer 11

todays society is so fragmented that no meta-narrative can explain society