functionalism

Question 1

organic analogy - parsons

Answer 1

identifies similarities between society and a biological organism

system
system needs
functions

Question 2

value consensus and social order
parsons

Answer 2

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

Question 3

what is a culture

Answer 3

a set of norms, values, 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

Question 4

when is social order possible

Answer 4

if we conform to norms and values (value consensus)

Question 5

integration of individuals
parsons

Answer 5

system has two basic mechanisms to ensure individuals conform to shared norms and meet systems needs

Question 6

parsons mechanisms

Answer 6

socialisation - social system can ensure needs are met by teaching individuals to internalise norms and values through socialisation

social control - positive sanctions reward conformity and negative ones punish deviance

Question 7

4 system needs
parsons

Answer 7

adaptation - 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
intergration - different parts of the system must be integrated together to pursue shared goals
latency - refers to the processes that maintain society over time

Question 8

social change
parsons

Answer 8

identifies two types of society

Question 9

traditional society

Answer 9

ascribed status - status based on fixed traits by virtue of existence
collective orientation - putting the group need before the individual need
diffuseness - relationships are broad with a wide range of functions
particularistic - norms emphasise treating people differently through kinship
affectivity - immediate gratification of desires

Question 10

modern society

Answer 10

achieved status - status based on performance
self orientation - individualism and pursing 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