functionalism

Question 1

Parsons - organic analogy

Answer 1

system: organisms and societies are both self-regulating system of interrelated parts that fit together in fixed ways. in the body, these are cells whereas in society, these are institutions (education system, government etc.)

system needs: organisms have needs (e.g. nutrition), if these needs are not met, the organism will die. functionalists see the social system as having basic needs (e.g. adequate sociology) to maintain social order and survive

functions: the function for any system is based on the contribution it makes to meeting the system needs, which ensures its survival

Question 2

Parsons - value consensus and social order

Answer 2

social order is achieved through a shared culture in a ‘central value system’

a culture of set norms, valued, beliefs and goals shared by members of society, that provides the framework for cooperation between individuals, and allows them to define general goals, norms and values for society

social order is only possible if we conform to such norms and values. parsons calls this value consensus

Question 3

Parsons - integrations of individuals

Answer 3

the system has two basic mechanisms for ensuring individuals conform to shared norms and meets systems needs:

socialisation: the social system can ensure its needs are met by teaching individuals to internalise the norms and values through socialisation. agents of socialisation include family, eduction system, media and religion

social control: positive sanctions reward conformity, negative ones punish deviance e.g. the value system stresses individual achievement through educational success, those who conform are rewarded with degrees

Question 4

Parsons: system needs

Answer 4

adaption - the social system meets its members’ material needs through the economic sub-system

goal attainment - society needs to set goals and allocate resources to achieve them. this is the function of the political sub-system, through institutions such as parliament

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

latency - refers to the processes that maintain society overtime. the kinship sub-system provides pattern maintenance (socialising individuals to perform societies roles) and tension management (a place to relieve stresses after work)p

Question 5

Parsons - social change

Answer 5

traditional society:
- ascribed status: status based on fixed traits by virtue of existence e.g. royal family
- collective orientation: putting the group need before the individual need
- diffuseness: relationships are broad with a wide range of functions
- particularism: norms emphasise treating people differently through kinship
- affectivity - immediate gratification of desire

modern society:
- achieved status : status based on performance e.g. education
- self-orientation: individualism and pursuing self-interest
- specificity: relationships are narrow and limited to specific purposes and functions
- universalism: norms and values that apply to the whole nation and emphasise treating people equally
- affective neutrality: deferred gratification e.g. working for qualifications and long-term goals