Functionalism

Question 1

Organic analogy

Answer 1

explains how society is set up like the human body
-made up of different parts (cells,organs etc.) that function together to meet its needs and maintain the social system as a whole

Question 2

3 similarities between the human body and society

Answer 2

-both are self-regulating systems of inter-related inter-dependent parts that fit together in a fixed way
-both have needs which must be met in order to survive (e.g. members must be socialised and organisms need nutrition)
-the functions maintain the system ensuring its survival (e.g the circulatory system and the economy)

Question 3

Strengths

Answer 3

-explains well how we learn shared norms and values through socialisation and social control and we can clearly see when people haven’t been effectively socialised

Question 4

Weaknesses

Answer 4

-functionalists, assume society is stable and orderly
-Call account for the diversity and instability in our post modern society
-Present an ‘over socialised’ and deterministic view of the individual-says we are shaped to meet the system’s needs by performing prescribed roles and so have no free will- we are just puppets who strings are being pulled by the system

Question 5

AGIL MODEL

Answer 5

Adaptation
Goal attainment
Integration
Latency

Question 6

What are Parson’s 2 mechanisms within the system that ensure individuals conform to the value consensus?

Answer 6

Socialisation and social control

Question 7

What is anomie?

Answer 7

anomie= rapid social change
recognises issues to do with rapid social change/ how our society has changed

Question 8

Adaptation

Answer 8

social system meets members’ material needs through economic sub-system

Question 9

Goal attainment

Answer 9

society needs to set goals and allocate resources to achieve them
-function of the political sub-system e.g. parliament

Question 10

Integration

Answer 10

different parts of the system must be integrated together to pursue shared goals- role the sub-system of religion, education and the media

Question 11

Latency

Answer 11

processes that maintain society over time, e.g. the kinship subsystem provides pattern maintenance (socialising individuals to go on to performing the role society requires) and tension management (place to ‘let off steam’ after work)

Question 12

Traditional society

Answer 12

-individuals expected to put collective interests first
-Status is ascribed
-Judged by particularistic standards
-A single institution, which is the kinship system performs many functions (AGIL)
-Extended family is the main family
type
-Diffuseness: relationships are broad with a range of purposes
-Effectivity: immediate gratification of desires

Question 13

Modern society

Answer 13

-we pursue our self interests
-Status is achieved
-all judged by universalistic standard
-Many institutions
-Nuclear family is the main family type
-Specificity: relationships are narrow and limited to specific purpose
-Effective neutrality: deferred gratification

Question 14

Socialisation

Answer 14

The system socialises individuals to do what it want them to do- society, therefore becomes part of an individual’s personality structure

Question 15

Social control

Answer 15

conforming to the value consensus must be rewarded, but deviant acts must be punished
-As a result, an individuals behaviour is orientated towards society’ goals, and meeting its needs