Functionalism

Question 1

What is the Organic Analogy?

Answer 1

A way of explaining how Functionalists view society. Society functions like an organism, with lots of organs performing different roles which come together to create one larger thing.

Question 2

Who is the founding father of Functionalism?

Answer 2

Durkheim

Question 3

Is Functionalism a consensus or conflict theory?

Answer 3

Consensus

Question 4

What are the 4 roles of education according to Functionalists?

Answer 4

Social Solidarity, Secondary Socialisation, Sifting and Sorting, Specialist Skills

Question 5

What is Social Solidarity?

Answer 5

A sense of togetherness. Being connected to the people around you

Question 6

What is Socialisation?

Answer 6

The process of norms and values being transmitted from one generation to another

Question 7

What is Secondary Socialisation?

Answer 7

Being taught norms and values learns in school, rather than in the family

Question 8

What is Sifting and Sorting?

Answer 8

The process by which students are categorised into the subjects they’re good at, and encouraged to continue learning them, so that they can go into those job roles in the future

Question 9

What is Specialist Skills?

Answer 9

The abilities, knowledge, and skills a person needs to know in the workplace. Can be generalised for any workplace, or specific ones for certain careers

Question 10

What is meritocracy?

Answer 10

The idea that a person is rewarded for their hard work and ability

Question 11

Do Functionalists believe in meritocracy?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

The New Right are known as Worried __________

Answer 12

Functionalists

Question 13

Why are the New Right worried?

Answer 13

Decline of British values; dependency culture; rising unemployment; family structure moving away from the nuclear family

Question 14

Which 2 functions do the New Right mainly concern themselves with?

Answer 14

Secondary Socialisation and Specialist Skills

Question 15

What does ‘society in miniature’ mean?

Answer 15

The idea that school reflects wider society, e.g. different departments in school which mirror different industries in society

Question 16

What does it mean to say that schools is ‘a bridge’?

Answer 16

Parsons’ idea. School teaches children the norms and values they need to integrate in wider society. It acts as the ‘bridge’ between family and wider society

Question 17

What are particularistic standards?

Answer 17

Norms and values which apply within the home. E.g. family traditions, certain vocabulary, or the youngest sibling always being treated like a child

Question 18

What are universalistic standards?

Answer 18

Norms and values which apply in society as a whole, such as (in the UK) being polite and queueing. Taught in school