functionalism

Question 1

what is Durkheim’s Anomie?

Answer 1

if value consensus breaks down, anomie may occur, loss of normality
leading to chaos.

Question 2

what is Durkheim’s mechanical solidarity?

Answer 2

everyone in society has the same role to play- cogs in a machine

Question 3

what is Durkheim’s organic solidarity?

Answer 3

institutions are interdependent in society, society is like a human body, the institutions the organs

Question 4

what is Parsons system under structural functionalism?

Answer 4

society has vital organs that are interdependent

Question 5

what is Parsons system needs under structural functionalism?

Answer 5

the needs of the system/ society
example- socialisation

Question 6

what is Parsons functions under structural functionalism?

Answer 6

every part of the system has a vital function to ensure whole survival of society

Question 7

what is Parsons integration under structural functionalism?

Answer 7

individuals feel a part of society and social solidarity is achieved. Behaviour is predictable and stable.

Question 8

what are the 4 stages in Parsons social system?

Answer 8

social system
sub-systems
institutions
status

Question 9

what is the status stage of Parsons social system?

Answer 9

each status is associated with a certain role
example- teacher treats student equally

Question 10

what is the institutions stage of Parsons social system?

Answer 10

roles are a part of the institution
example- teacher and student roles a part of an institution

Question 11

what is the sub-systems stage of Parsons social system?

Answer 11

institutions are a part of larger groups
example- shops, business

Question 12

what is the social system stage of Parsons social system?

Answer 12

all these things make our society

Question 13

what are the 4 parts of Parsons Agile schema?

Answer 13

adaptation
goal attainment
integration
latency

Question 14

what is the Latency part of Parsons agile schema and give an example?

Answer 14

ensuring system continues passing on norms and values, letting off steam to cope with work
example- religion

Question 15

what is the integration part of Parsons Agile schema and give an example?

Answer 15

strong cohesion in society, everyone achieving the same goals
example- police and media

Question 16

what is the goal attainment part of Parsons Agile schema and give an example?

Answer 16

shared goals and means to achieve them
example- education and government

Question 17

What is the adaptation part of Parsons Agil schema and give an example?

Answer 17

Provides members of society with material needs
Example- family

Question 18

What are the 5 values in Parsons social change in traditional society?

Answer 18

Ascription
Diffuseness
Particularism
Affectivity
Collective orientation

Question 19

What are the 5 values in Parsons social change in modern society?

Answer 19

Achievement
Specificity
Universalism
Effective neutrality
Self- orientation

Question 20

What is structural differentiation in Parsons social change?

Answer 20

Functions of institution are now specialised
Example- NHS provides healthcare

Question 21

What does Merton believe functional unity is that he doesn’t agree with?

Answer 21

Functional unity- organic analogy

Question 22

What does Merton believe universal functionalism is that he doesn’t agree with?

Answer 22

All institutions do some positive function

Question 23

What does Merton believe indispensability is that he doesn’t agree with?

Answer 23

Something that you can’t live without

Question 24

What is Mertons Manifest (intended)

Answer 24

Intended consequences of one part of a social system
Example- rain dance can encourage rain in times of drought

Question 25

What is Mertons latent (unintended)?

Answer 25

Unintended consequences of one part of a social system
Example- a rain dance done in times of drought encouraging social solidarity

Question 26

How would a Marxist criticise the functionalist theory?

Answer 26

Society is not harmonious but rather based on exploration

Question 27

What is a the logical criticism of the functionalist theory?

Answer 27

Cause before affect, functionalism explains one thing (the family) in terms of something that can only be the effect (socialisation)