functionalism Flashcards
what is functionalism?
a structural theory that views social order as based on value concensus
what did parsons say about society?
society is a system of independant parts which together meet the needs of the system
parsons coined the term value concensus, what does this mean?
value consensus means we all conform and accept the same norms and values
what do functionalists say about the social structure of society?
it exists seperately from individuals and consists of norms and values that are passed on through institutions such as education
how do functionalists believe we should study society?
they believe we should study society scientifically and at a macro level
why do functionalists believe we should study society on a macro level?
it allows you to look for universal laws
what 2 ways does parsons identify that individuals are integrated into society?
- socialisation
- social control
according to parsons how is social control used to integrate individuals into society?
positive sanctions reward conformity and negative sanctions punish deviance
according to parsons how does socialisation integrate individuals into society?
individuals internalise the norms and values of society through socialisation
what are the four system needs according to parsons?
- adaptation
- goal attainment
- integration
- latency
parsons - societies needs
what does adaptation mean?
society needs to eveolve so it can meet the needs of its members
parsons - societies needs
what does goal attainment mean?
society needs to set goals and allocate resources to achieve them
parsons - societies needs
what is integration?
the different parts of the system must be integrated together to pursue shared goals
parsons - societies needs
what is latency?
the process that mains society over time
what two types of society does parsons identify?
- traditional society
- modern society
