Functionalism Flashcards
Consensus theory
Based on the idea that society is dependant on the mutual co-operation of its members
Organic analogy
The theory that society works like an organism, and every part represents an institution and if one part fails then the whole body does
Primary socialisation
The first socialisation you receive by your family and your first transmission of culture
Secondary socialisation
Socialisation with people outside of your family and you learn more social skills. You gain beliefs and culture from the environments around you rather than family.
Value consensus
A society in which everyone can agree on goals, morals and ethics to stop anomie and people acting with their self interest as a priority.
Social solidarity
‘Social glue’, emphasises the interdependence between individuals to feel that they enhance the lives of others. The needs for individuals in a United society.
Anomie
Chaos, the break down of norms
Particularistic values
Social norms and values serve a purpose in maintaining a social order and cohesion.
Universalistic values
Based on the belief that all individuals should be treated equally and given equal opportunities
Meritocracy
A measurement of success based of values and achievements, a society whereby jobs are allocated based on an individual’s achievements and talent rather than social status
Ascribed status
Status that is already given to you and you don’t earn, usually given to you by family e.g birth order
Achieved status
Status that you have acquired through your skills and achievements, how it works in society
Collective consciousness
The collective consciousness of society is the shared set of values. Or beliefs that people have. For functionalists, this is achieved through successful socialisation through family, education and other institutions and ensures that society functions properly and is able to change organically and in an orderly way.
Emile Durkheim
Main functions of education - social solidarity and specialised skills
Creator of the organic analogy
Talcott Parsons
School acts as a bridge from the family into society.
Suggested the idea of meritocracy
Family - particularistic values, ascribed status
School - achieved status, universalistic values
David and Moore
School functions in a way to assign roles in society through abilities
By assessing the students through exams it allocates them to a job best suited to benefit society
Supports the idea of meritocracy
