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THEORY AND METHODS > Functionalism > Flashcards

Functionalism Flashcards

1
Q

what is a consensus theory

A

A theory that believes that social institutions work together to create social solidarity and cohesion

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2
Q

what is a structural theory

A

a theory that focuses on how social institutions affect our day-to-day decisions and choices

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3
Q

what is a value consensus

A

when society is in agreement with each other and co-operates with each other, which then allows for a smooth running society.

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4
Q

who is the key thinker for functionalism

A

Durkhiem

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5
Q

Who developed durkheim’s ideas

A

Parsons

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6
Q

what is a social facts

A

external controls on our behaviour

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7
Q

what are Durkheim’s two main ideas of society

A
  1. society shapes an individual(Top-down theory).

2.social solidarity and cohesion is achieved through the socialization process. Without this society would fall into a state of anomie

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8
Q

explain Durkheim’s ‘top-down’ theory

A

the institutions of society influence the behaviours of individuals

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9
Q

what is anomie

A

a state of normlessness(no one knows what write from wrong, because everything is considered okay)

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10
Q

what is the anaolgy that was used to explain how society is a body?
who used it?

A

Organic analogy
Parsons

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11
Q

identify and explain the three similarities parsons makes between society and humans

A
  1. System - just like humans have organs that are interconnected and interdependent that function for the good of the body , so does society. he belives that societal institutions serves functions to benefit the others.
  2. System needs - Just like the body has needs that need to be met, so does society. societal institutions have evolved to meet societies needs
  3. Function - Just like the organs of the body function for the good of the body, so does social institutions. social institutions have function that benefit society.
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12
Q

what are the two means of maintaining value consensus and social order according to functionalist?

A

formal control
informal control

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13
Q

Identify the four basic needs of society according to parsons?

A

G - Goal Attainment (political function)
A - Adaption(economic function)
I - Integration(social harmony)
L - Latency

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14
Q

Define latency

A

the unstated consequences of actions

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15
Q

Identify and explain the two types of latency

A
  • pattern maintenance - maintaining value consensus through socialization
  • Tension maintenance - Opportunities to release tension in a safe way
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16
Q

who is the internal critic of functionalism

A

Merton

17
Q

what are Merton’s three main criticisms of Parsons assumptions?

A

INDISPENSABILITY - not all institutions are dispensable and that there are other alternatives e.g.the family is not the only place where individuals get primary socialization from.

FUNCTIONAL UNITY - Not all instituitions are as tightly linked like parsons suggest, e.g. banking and education.

UNIVERSAL FUNSTIONALISM - Not all institutions perform a positive function for society, instead for some people they are dysfunctional e.g. when domestic violence is present then the family becomes dysfunctional.

18
Q

what are manifest functions?

A

the intended function of a social institution.

19
Q

What are Latent functions?

A

the unintended function of a social institution.

20
Q

Identify and the FOUR external criticisms of functionalism

A
  1. logical criticisms
  2. Conflict criticisms
  3. Postmordern perspectives
  4. Action perspective
21
Q

outline the logical Criticisms of functionalism

A
  1. TELEOLOGICAL - a thing exisit because of its function and not its origin.
  2. CONTRADICTORY - how can something be functional and dysfunctional at the same time.
  3. UNSCIENTIFIC - impossible to verify the theory
22
Q

Outline the conflict criticisms of functionalism

A
  • overly positive
  • conservative (tries to maintain the status-quo)
  • legitimizes the position of the powerful
23
Q

Outline what the Action perspective on functionalism is

A
  • (Dennis wrong) functionalism is deterministic; no free will.
  • rarifies society - treating it as a distinct thing.
24
Q

Outline what the Postmordern perspective of functionalism is

A
  • outdated - due to being a meta narrative
  • unable to explain diversity and instability in society

THEORY AND METHODS (6 decks)

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