Functionalism Flashcards
What do functionalists believe?
Society is harmonious and social order is maintained through collective agreement on social norms
What is structuralism?
Overall structure of society and how social institutions limit our individuality
Social institution examples
Family, education, media, economy
What is the Organic Analogy?
Functionalism views society as a system like how the human body works together to perform different functions (organ system). Parts of society malfunction like the human body (workers striking).
Parson - Organ Analogy
Every society has its functional prerequisites (needs for survival)
What are examples of functional prerequisites
Production of food, care of the young, socialisation.
Durkheim suggested?
People are selfish and that society would fall into chaos unless they learned to share common values = value consensus
What is value consensus?
The need for societies to have a shared set of values/principles to work towards.
Parsons
Agencies of socialisation are important in building value consensus. Socialisation teaches us norms and values which helps maintain social order.
What is structural differentiation? example
Societies evolve and new needs arise for both society and individuals, institutions become more specialised. E.g. families used to be responsible ed now there are schools.
Merton criticised…
Parson for his assumption that all institutions performed positive functions for society. Some parts of the social structure can have negative consequences (technology)
What is latent function?
unintended outcome of an institution
Examples of a latent function
Purpose of school is to educate, companionship is formed
Purpose of marriage is to start a family, it provide emotional support
Cons of functionalism?
- Too deterministic, doesn’t allow individual choice
- Doesn’t fit contemporary society which is diverse
- Cannot explain social change
