functionalism

Question 1

func - similarities between society and a biological organism (3)

Answer 1

1. system = they’re both self-regulating systems of independent parts that work together e.g for society its institutions
2. system needs = society has basic needs to survive e.g humans need to be socialised
3. functions = the function of a system is the things that allow the system to meet these needs and ensure survival

Question 2

func - value consensus

Answer 2

social order is achieved through a shared culture - a central value system
that provides. framework by laying down rules on how to behave

social order is only possible if people agree on these values - a value consensus

Question 3

func - Parson’s 4 basic needs of society AGIL

Answer 3

1. Adaption = Every society has to provide for the needs of its members in order for the society to survive
2. Goal attainment = a society is only possible when there are common standards: the society must have a collective goal, and acceptable means for achieving it.
3. Integration = Specialist institutions develop to reduce conflict in society. For example, education and media create a sense of belonging.
4. latency = The unstated consequences of actions, processes that maintain society – there are 2 types of latency: Pattern Maintenance: Maintaining value consensus through socialization and Tension Management. Opportunities to release tension in a safe way

Question 4

func - Parson’s 4 basic needs of society AGIL - the instrumental needs

Answer 4

adaption and goal attainment
instrumental refers to the means to an end

Question 5

func - Parson’s 4 basic needs of society AGIL - expressive needs

Answer 5

integration and latency

involve the expression or channeling of emotions

Question 6

internal criticisms of func AO3 - Merton - indispensability

Answer 6

parsons assumes everything in society is necessary in its existing form - merton says this is an untestable assumption and points to the possibility of a functional alternative e.g lone parent family instead of nuclear

Question 7

func - 2 mechanisms for ensuring individuals conform to shared norms

Answer 7

socialisation - the social system can ensure its needs are met by teaching individuals to want to do what it requires them to do - internalise the norms

social control - positive sanctions reward conformity while negative ones punish deviance

Question 8

internal criticisms of func AO3 - Merton - universal functionalism

Answer 8

Parsons assumes that an everything in society performs a positive function for society as a whole - but somethings may be functional for some groups but dysfunctional for others

Question 9

internal criticisms of func AO3 - Merton - functional unity

Answer 9

parsons assumes that all parts of society are tightly integrated into a unity and that each part is functional for the rest
assumes that change in one part will have a knock on effect on all other parts
but
complex modern societies have many parts which may be distantly related
instead of functional unity some parts have functional autonomy - independence from others

Question 10

external criticisms of func - AO3 - conflict perspective criticisms

Answer 10

they criticise functionalism for their inability to explain conflict and change

society is not harmonious - its based on exploitation and class division with unequal power
stability is the result of the dominant class being able to prevent change

Question 11

external criticisms of func - AO3 - action perspective

Answer 11

criticised for being deterministic
functionalists see humans as shaped by society but
action approach - individuals create society with their interactions