functionalism Flashcards
What is the main focus of functionalist theory in sociology?
The main focus of functionalist theory is to understand how various parts of society function together to maintain stability and social order.
True or False: Functionalists view society as a living organism.
True
Which sociologist is most commonly associated with functionalism?
Emile Durkheim
Fill in the blank: Functionalism emphasizes the importance of ______ in maintaining social stability.
social institutions
What are the key components of social structures according to functionalist theory?
Social institutions, norms, and values.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a function of social institutions according to functionalists?
A) Socialization
B) Integration
C) Conflict
D) Regulation
C) Conflict
True or False: Functionalists believe that all social institutions serve a positive function.
True
Who introduced the idea of the ‘society as a system’?
Parsons
What does the term ‘manifest functions’ refer to?
Manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of a social structure.
What does the term ‘latent functions’ refer to?
Latent functions are the unintended and often hidden consequences of a social structure.
Fill in the blank: Functionalists argue that social change is ______.
disruptive
According to functionalism, what are the functions of education?
- Social stratification
- Personal development
- Social integration
What is the role of deviance in functionalist theory?
Deviance serves to reinforce social norms and promote social cohesion.
True or False: Functionalism has been criticized for ignoring social change.
True
What is the ‘functionalist perspective’ on family?
The family serves essential functions such as socialization, emotional support, and regulation of sexual behavior.
Fill in the blank: According to functionalists, every social structure has a ______ that contributes to the society’s stability.
function
criticism of functionalism?
- It is too deterministic
- It overemphasises social cohesion
- assumes all members of society benefit equally
- It ignores individual choice-agency
- fails to acknowledge the harmful effect of some institutions
What is the difference between ‘social functions’ and ‘dysfunctions’?
Social functions are positive contributions to society, while dysfunctions are negative consequences that disrupt social stability.
True or False: Functionalists believe that social institutions evolve to meet the needs of society.
True
What is the ‘organic analogy’ in functionalism?
The organic analogy compares society to a living organism, where each part functions to maintain the whole.
Who emphasized the importance of social solidarity in functionalism?
Emile Durkheim
Multiple Choice: What is a key assumption of functionalism? A) Society is in constant conflict B) Society is primarily based on cooperation C) Society is static D) Society is individualistic
B) Society is primarily based on cooperation
True or False: Functionalism provides a comprehensive explanation for social phenomena.
False
What does Durkheim’s study of suicide illustrate in functionalist theory?
It illustrates the impact of social integration and regulation on individual behavior.
Fill in the blank: The functionalist perspective often overlooks the influence of ______.
power dynamics
What is the ‘collective conscience’ according to Durkheim?
The collective conscience refers to the set of shared beliefs and values that bind a society together.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key feature of functionalism? A) Emphasis on class struggle B) Focus on social order C) Individual focus D) Emphasis on economic factors
B) Focus on social order
True or False: Functionalists believe that all aspects of society are interconnected.
True
What is the role of religion in functionalist theory?
Religion serves to promote social cohesion and shared values among members of society.
Fill in the blank: According to functionalism, social institutions like the family and education are ______.
interdependent
Who argued that social order is maintained through consensus?
Parsons
functionalism is the idea that…
if all the systems in society are functioning in harmony it will remain healthy
social institutions function in 3 ways
- value consensus
- social integration
- specialised division of labour
value consensus
members socialised into broad agreement on values, morality , norms and behaviour
social integration
people need to be encouraged to belong to a community
- common identity binds the individual to society
uk values
largely based on christianity - 10 commandments
from political perspective
- right wing
- ‘new right’ sociological and political theory , share functionalist principles but are more controversial
Industrial Revolution
functionalism out dated because skills needed before not the same as now
functional fit theory (who?)
Parsons
functional fit theory
family can perform many functions (depending on the needs of society)
Industrial society , 2 essential needs which requires the nuclear family to work
1) geographically mobile workforce
2) socially mobile workforce
Parsons argues family in modern society
has lost many of its functions. has become unit of consumption only
in modern society - nuclear family only has 2 essential/irreducible’ functions
1) primary socialisation of children
2) stabilisation of adult personalities
views social order as based on
value consensus
Parsons believes
society is a system of independent parts, in which the function of each part is to help meet the needs of the system
Individuals are integrated into the system through
socialisation and social control.
parsons
organic analogy
Parsons identifies
the similarities between society and a biological organism
VALUE CONSENSUS & SOCIAL ORDER - who
PARSONS
VALUE CONSENSUS & SOCIAL ORDER (PARSONS) - Social order is achieved through
a shared culture in a ‘central value system’
Social order is only possible if
we conform to the set of norms and values shared by members of society , Parsons calls this value consensus
INTEGRATION OF INDIVIDUALS
PARSONS
INTEGRATION OF INDIVIDUALS - 2 basic mechanism for ensuring individuals conform to share norms and meet systems needs
SOCIALISATION
SOCIAL CONTROL
INTEGRATION OF INDIVIDUALS - SOCIALISATION
Social system can ensure its needs are met by teaching individuals to internalise the norms and values through socialisation.
Agents of socialisation include family, education system, media and religion
SOCIAL CONTROL
INTEGRATION OF INDIVIDUALS
- Positive sanctions reward conformity,
- negative ones punish deviance.
- (Eg. the value system stresses individual achievement through educational success, those who conform are rewarded with degrees).
SYSTEM NEEDS (PARSONS)
( Add Goat Attacks In Lake)
PARSONS
- Adaptation
- Goal attainment
- Integration
- Latency
System needs - ADAPTATION
The social system meets its members’ material needs through the economic sub-system.
System needs - GOAL ATTAINMENT
Society needs to set goals and allocate resources to achieve them. This is the function of the political sub-system, through institutions such as parliament.
System needs - INTEGRATION
different parts of the system must be integrated together to pursue shared goals. This is the role of the sub-system of religion, education and media.
System needs - LATENCY
Refers to the processes that maintain society over time. The kinship sub-system provides pattern maintenance (socialising individuals to perform societies roles) and tension management (a place to relieve stresses after work).
SOCIAL CHANGE (PARSONS)
TRADITIONAL SOCIETY
MODERN SOCIETY
marxists criticism of functionalism
- functionalism overlooks power inequalities and conflict within society
- argue that functionalists fail to acknowledge how institutions like education and the family reinforce class inequalities
- eg education system is presented as meritocratic by functionalists
- Bowles and Gintis (1976) argue that it reproduces class divisions, benefiting the bourgeoisie at the expense of the working class
Human capital theory (education) - who
Schacht
Human capital theory (education) - what
investment in humans through education and training acts like investment in new machinery
- ⬆︎ educated and ⬆︎ skilled people can create ⬆︎ wealth
see the development of human capital as
(education expansion) as necessary to provide a properly trined and flexible labour force to meet needs of complex economy
Davis and Moore
role allocation
Davis and Moore - role allocation
- Education shifts and sorts people into the most appropriate jobs (in a meritocratic way) so inequality is needed
meritocratic education system
encourages everyone to compete for these jobs in an = manner , the more talented individuals are then selected ( eg grade boundaries) , examination sys helps allocate people to future jobs
functionalists see education as
an important agency of secondary socialisation, helping maintain social stability
role of school
to teach value consensus (universal norms) , ensure all are working towards a shared set of values , via formal and hidden curriculum
Durkheim 1895
argues education provides secondary socialisation through 2 basic functions
- promotes social solidarity
- prepares students for work
Durkheim, education provides secondary socialisation through 2 basic functions - SOCIAL SOLIDARITY
- transmits key cultural norms/values = sense of belonging to ↔︎ society
(w/o it = social life impossible , all selfish desires)
Durkheim, education provides secondary socialisation through 2 basic functions - PREPPING FOR WORK
- equips inds. w necessary & specialist skills needed for the economy and for people to play their part n the specialist division of labour
Parsons suports
Meritocracy
why does Parsons support meritocracy
- education forms a social bridge between family and ↔︎ soc. by socialising students to adopt a meritocratic view of achievement
(bridge is needed as fam. & soc. operate as diff principles)
