Functionalism

Question 1

What is a consensus theory?

Answer 1

A theory that believe that institutions of society are working together to maintain social cohesion

Question 2

What is social cohesion?

Answer 2

The strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity among members of a community

Question 3

What is a value consensus?

Answer 3

Majority of society agree with the goals that society sets to show success

Question 4

What are social facts and who is the key thinker?

Answer 4

Durkheim - social facts are things such as institutions, norms and values which exist external to the individual

Question 5

What is Organic analogy and who is the key thinker?

Answer 5

Talcott Parsons - meaning society acts in a similar way to the human body - institutions are like organs, rely on each other

Question 6

What is the GAIL model and who is the KT?

Answer 6

Parsons -
G Goal atainment - society needs to set goals to attain them as well as the ability to make decisions
A Adaption - the environment to meet people needs
I Integration - Different parts of the system must integrate to pursue shared goals
L Latency - Society needs to be maintained over time

Question 7

What is structural differentiation?

Answer 7

The changing of institutions as they becomes more specialized to perform new functions

Question 8

AO3: Functionalism is a…

Answer 8

Metanarrative - tries to explain everything from a single perspective

Question 9

Parsons overemphasizes…

Answer 9

Harmony and consensus and ignores the extent of conflict and the unequal distribution of power within society