Functionalism

Question 1

What is collective conscience?

Answer 1

A shared set of beliefs/values that people have

Question 2

What is social solidarity?

Answer 2

All members in society have been socialised into its shared norms and values

Question 3

What is Socialisation according to parsons?

Answer 3

Where individuals learn norms and values which lead to a functioning society

Question 4

what’s primary socialisation?

Answer 4

learning norms and values via experiences, interactions, family

Question 5

what’s secondary socialisation?

Answer 5

learning norms and values via school, media, religion

Question 6

What’s social control according to Parsons?

Answer 6

making sure society follows particular norms and values

Question 7

Whats formal social control according to parsons?

Answer 7

ensuring society follows a set of norms and values via institutions like laws, police etc

Question 8

what’s informal social control according to parsons?

Answer 8

ensuring society follows a set of norms and values via relationships and family etc

Question 9

What is manifest functions according to and who’s theory is it?

Answer 9

• Intended function of an action or behaviour I.e. schools preparing students for workforce
• Mertons theory (internal critic)

Question 10

What is latent functions and who’s theory is it?

Answer 10

• Unintended functions of an action or behaviour i.e. schools being a social hub for students
• Mertons theory (internal critic)

Question 11

Explain universal functionalism and who’s theory it is

Answer 11

-Functionalists ignore the dysfunctional parts of society and that not all institutions work for everyone
-Mertons theory (internal critic)

Question 12

Explain indispensability and who’s theory it is

Answer 12

-there are multiple institutions that work in society not just one i.e. the nuclear family is not the only family type
- Mertons theory (internal critic)

Question 13

Explain functional unity and who’s theory is it?

Answer 13

-Parts of society are separate to others and If one fails it won’t have a knock on affect and affect other institutions
-Mertons theory (internal critic)

Question 14

What is organic analogy?

Answer 14

Parsons theory: explains that society is like the human body and all parts (institutions) play a role to keep society thriving

Question 15

What type of theory is functionalism? and explain it

Answer 15

Structural (macro): Human behaviour must be understood in the context of the society they are in

Question 16

criticism of functionalism

Answer 16

• rose tinted view on society only focuses on the positive functions of institutions
• functionalists see people as puppets on strings

Question 17

Positives of functionalism

Answer 17

• shows how institutions can benefit society and the individual
• gives value to an individual