Functionalism Flashcards
What is the functionalist theory?
macro, structural consensus theory
- top down approach
Top Down approach
society shapes the individual
What concepts did Durkheim come up with?
- equilibrium
- mechanical solidarity
- organic solidarity
- anomie
What is equilibrium?
subsystems adapt to retain balance
What is mechanical solidarity?
- everyone has the same job/work
- easier to replace
- very little division
- traditional= collective conscience
What is organic solidarity?
- specialised roles- harder to replace
- people become interdependent
- modern = weak social solidarity
What is anomie?
the break down of norms and values = normlessness
What were Parsons 6 structural functions?
1) The human body analogy
2) Value consensus
3) Integration
4) The social system
5) The AGIL scheme
6) Social change
PARSONS
1) Human body analogy
System- body/institutions
System needs- nutrition/socialisation
Functions- vital functions to perform in order to survive/ don’t work becomes dysfunctional
PARSONS
2) Value consensus
- created through socialisation
- maintained through social control
Formal SC- police, gov, courts
Informal SC- family, media, religion, school
PARSONS
3) Integration
- feel part of a wider society- social solidarity is achieved
- behaviour becomes predictable and stale which allows for social order
PARSONS
4) The social system
STATUS/ROLE CLUSTER
- human actions governed by their status- role association
INSTITUTIONS
- status/role part of this- T&S= education
SUBSYSTEMS
- institutions part of larger groups- shops, businesses part of economy
SOCIAL SYSTEM
- all of these things make up our society
PARSONS
5) The AGIL scheme
- functional prerequisites
INSTRUMENTAL
Adaptation- prove members of society with material needs- family, economy
Goal attainment- shared goals to achieve- gov, education
EXPRESSIVE
Integration- cohesion- MR ELF
Latency (pattern maintenance) - pass on values and norms- family, media, religion
What does the instrumental needs of society mean?
focused on emotion and including people
What does the expressive needs of society mean?
focused on practical needs and the basis of providing
PARSONS
6) Social change
Traditional
- ascription, diffuseness, particularism, affectivity, collective orientation
Modern
- achievement, specificity, universalism, effective neutrality, self-orientation
What is ascription?
Status is ascribed, determined by the type of family you are born into
What is diffuseness?
People enter relationships with others to satisfy a large range of needs
e.g. mother and child
What is particularism?
Individuals act differently towards particular people
e.g. loyal to family but not to strangers
What is affectivity?
Gratification is immediate, people act to gratify their desires as soon as possible.
What is collective orientation?
Put the interest of their social groups to which they belong before their own interests.
What is achievement?
Status is achieved through a persons own efforts- hard work
What is specificity?
People enter into relationships with others to satisfy particular needs
- customer and shopkeeper
What is universalism?
Individuals act according to universal principles
- everyone is equal before the law
- policewoman would arrest her husband if necessary
