functionalism Flashcards
what is Durkheim’s Anomie?
if value consensus breaks down, anomie may occur, loss of normality
leading to chaos.
what is Durkheim’s mechanical solidarity?
everyone in society has the same role to play- cogs in a machine
what is Durkheim’s organic solidarity?
institutions are interdependent in society, society is like a human body, the institutions the organs
what is Parsons system under structural functionalism?
society has vital organs that are interdependent
what is Parsons system needs under structural functionalism?
the needs of the system/ society
example- socialisation
what is Parsons functions under structural functionalism?
every part of the system has a vital function to ensure whole survival of society
what is Parsons integration under structural functionalism?
individuals feel a part of society and social solidarity is achieved. Behaviour is predictable and stable.
what are the 4 stages in Parsons social system?
social system
sub-systems
institutions
status
what is the status stage of Parsons social system?
each status is associated with a certain role
example- teacher treats student equally
what is the institutions stage of Parsons social system?
roles are a part of the institution
example- teacher and student roles a part of an institution
what is the sub-systems stage of Parsons social system?
institutions are a part of larger groups
example- shops, business
what is the social system stage of Parsons social system?
all these things make our society
what are the 4 parts of Parsons Agile schema?
adaptation
goal attainment
integration
latency
what is the Latency part of Parsons agile schema and give an example?
ensuring system continues passing on norms and values, letting off steam to cope with work
example- religion
what is the integration part of Parsons Agile schema and give an example?
strong cohesion in society, everyone achieving the same goals
example- police and media
what is the goal attainment part of Parsons Agile schema and give an example?
shared goals and means to achieve them
example- education and government
What is the adaptation part of Parsons Agil schema and give an example?
Provides members of society with material needs
Example- family
What are the 5 values in Parsons social change in traditional society?
Ascription
Diffuseness
Particularism
Affectivity
Collective orientation
What are the 5 values in Parsons social change in modern society?
Achievement
Specificity
Universalism
Effective neutrality
Self- orientation
What is structural differentiation in Parsons social change?
Functions of institution are now specialised
Example- NHS provides healthcare
What does Merton believe functional unity is that he doesn’t agree with?
Functional unity- organic analogy
What does Merton believe universal functionalism is that he doesn’t agree with?
All institutions do some positive function
What does Merton believe indispensability is that he doesn’t agree with?
Something that you can’t live without
What is Mertons Manifest (intended)
Intended consequences of one part of a social system
Example- rain dance can encourage rain in times of drought
What is Mertons latent (unintended)?
Unintended consequences of one part of a social system
Example- a rain dance done in times of drought encouraging social solidarity
How would a Marxist criticise the functionalist theory?
Society is not harmonious but rather based on exploration
What is a the logical criticism of the functionalist theory?
Cause before affect, functionalism explains one thing (the family) in terms of something that can only be the effect (socialisation)
