Functionalism Flashcards
What is Social Solidarity
A feeling of belonging to a wider community
What did Durkheim say about social solidarity?
It was important for members of society to feel a sense of social solidarity
What is another word for anomie?
“normlessness”
What is anomie?
Feeling that in large modern societies people will loose their sense of belonging and become anoymous individuals, uncertain of how they became one
Name 2 Functions
Family & Religion
What is a structural theory?
A theory that sees parts of society as linked together in structure
Is Functionalism a Structural Theory?
Yes
Did Durkheim or Parsons create the idea of an anomie?
Durkheim
What is socialisation?
The idea that we should create value consensus in society. Viewed key institutions like families and education
What is a value consensus?
The idea that society works best when people in society share the same norms and values
Types of value consensus’?
Religious, Political or Cultural Values
What is social system AGIL?
The idea that all societies must fulfil four functional prerequisites (or functions that must be performed to keep society going)
What does the A in AGIL stand for?
Adaptation
What does the G in AGIL stand for?
God attainment
What does the I in AGIL stand for?
Integration
What does the L in AGIL stand for?
Latency and pattern maintenance
What is the Organic Analogy?
How did peoples body’s organs all work together for a functioning human body, that is essential for other institutions like religion and economic institutions
What components play a role in economic institutions?
Society, family, educational institutions socialise future workers
Is functionalism a consensus theory?
Yes
Functionalism is a consensus theory? What does this mean?
It’s a theory that views common experiences, interests, and values as the characteristic of a population or a society
What theories did Talcott Parsons develop?
Sex Role Theory and Systems Theory
Name 6 social institutions
Family, Religion, Education, Media, workplace and peer groups
What was the topic of Durkheim’s first study
Human Behaviour and Study of Suicide
What type of theory is Functionalism?
Structural Consensus Theory
Who is the founder of Functionalism?
Emile Durkheim
