Functionalism

Question 1

Parsons

Answer 1

• society is like a human (organs = institutions)
• two ways of maintaining control: informal and formal
• four basic needs: Goal Attainment, Adaptation, Integration and Latency

Question 2

Merton

Answer 2

criticises Parson’s theory
- not all institutions are indispensable
- not all institutions are as tightly linked as parson suggests
- Universal Functionalism: not all institutions perform a positive
function in society

Question 3

Wrong’s criticism of Functionalism

Answer 3

Functionalism is too deterministic

Question 4

Conflict criticism of Functionalism

Answer 4

doesn’t explain conflict in society
conservative ideology attempting to maintain the current system

Question 5

postmodernist criticism of Functionalism

Answer 5

doesn’t explain diversity and instability in society
outdated due to it being a meta narrative