Functionalism Flashcards
What type of theory is functionalism?
Structural Theory
(how society shapes the individual)
Consensus Theory
(based on society having shared values and being harmonious)
Functionalist views on society?
Functionalists see society as like a biological organism (organic analogy) where every institution plays a key role and they rely upon each other.
What is value consensus?
When a society has a common understanding of shared values and norms.
This is done through socialisation and creates a sense of solidarity and belonging.
What are Emile Durkheim’s beliefs?
Society shapes the individual
Society teaches us social solidarity and socialisation
What do they focus on analysing?
Large societal groups, rather than the individual
Name some functionalist theorists
Emile Durkheim
Parsons
Davis and Moore
What are some problems of Functionalism?
It largely ignores inequality and conflict in society
There is too large of a focus on the structure shaping the individual, which paints the individual as a puppet with no self-autonomy
