Functionalism Flashcards
Durkheims study
Durkheim is considered to be one of the founding fathers of Sociology. Durkheim took a structural approach to understanding society and human behaviour and much of his work focused on the concepts of social facts.
In his study ‘Le Suicide’ Durkheim identified that the causes of suicide were not individual but social factors impacting on suicide rates between different social groups and geographical areas
Durkheim anomie
Durkheim believed that in order for society to function, individuals need shared beliefs and practices to ensure cohesion and harmony.
parsons study
Parsons argued that if societies are to survive in a healthy state then four functional prerequisites have to be met. These are things which are ‘pre-required’ in order for society to function. This has become known as the GAIL model…
GAIL model, goal attainment
every society needs goals and these are set by politicians. sharing goals as a society
GAIL model, adaptation
society needs to be able to adapt to the resources it has to be available at any given time.
GAIL model, integration
in order for everyone to believe in goals that have been set we must all be socialised into the same norms and values
GAIL model, latency
society needs systems in place to endure that individuals can relieve stress and tension and to manage conflict situations (warm bath theory)
social change according to functionalists
According to Functionalists social change occurs when society needs to adapt. Functionalists view change as a slow evolutionary process as gradual shifts occur in social values, whereas fast, revolutionary change could lead to anomie.
An example of this can be seen in the concept of structural differentiation throughout industrialisation. As society evolves and new needs arise, institutions become specialised and their functions are lost.
metrons study
Merton was critical of Parsons and his idea that all social institutions perform beneficial, positive functions for society and individuals. Merton argues that in such a complex social system, dysfunction can occur. While institutions have some manifest functions which are positive and help society to function, they also have unintended latent functions which can often have negative and harmful effects.
evaluation on durkheims study
This contribution demonstrates the importance of agreement between individuals in society. This is shown through everyone following the law, and everyone using manners to be polite. However, this contribution can be criticised by Postmodernists for ignoring the growing diversity in today’s society, meaning that value consensus is no longer relevant. Therefore, Durkheim’s contribution is somewhat useful and demonstrates some important aspects of society. However, it is debatable how relevant this argument is today.
