Functionalism Flashcards
Class Meritocracy= Parsons
Social inequality is functional and inevitable because societies need order and ranking. Ranking is based on society’s values, including:
Kinship (family status)
Personal qualities (age, beauty, intelligence)
Achievement (qualifications, skills)
Possessions
Authority
The less of these qualities a person has, the more likely they are to face inequality.
Class Meritocracy= Davis and Moore
Societies should ensure that the most important jobs are filled by the most talented people. These jobs require high rewards, making society meritocratic. People’s class position reflects their talents, and stratification encourages everyone to work to their full potential.
Ethnicity Cultural Differences= Patterson
Culture clashes can happen due to different norms and values (e.g., food, dress) between ethnic minorities and White British people. Ethnic minorities are seen as ‘alien’ and feared. Patterson argues that if ethnic minorities assimilate, they will no longer face inequality in Britain.
Ethnicity Cultural D = Parsons
Ethnic inequalities are not caused by the system or discrimination. They are due to cultural differences between immigrants and the host nation. These inequalities are temporary and will disappear as immigrant groups adapt and adopt the host culture over time. Assimilation is when a minority group adopts the host culture and gives up its own.
Gender Bio Differences= Parsons
Women have an ‘expressive’ caring role.
Men have an ‘instrumental’ role.
These differences are innate and ascribed at birth, contributing to a healthy society. It implies men are more suited for paid work, while women are better suited for domestic roles. Women are seen as less motivated and less suited to the labour market than men.
Age= Parsons
The elderly have lower status and may become disengaged as they abandon some social roles, leaving younger generations to take on these roles.
Gender Bio Differences= Rastogi
Men and women have different roles in society. The pay gap is justified because men have more ‘human capital’ (skills, experience) than women due to their greater focus on paid work. Women are seen as less committed to paid work because they often take career breaks or work part-time to care for a family. Many women prioritize their role as homemakers, which fits their maternal instincts.
Age= Einsenstadt
Different age groups allow individuals to learn new social roles, contributing to social cohesion and solidarity. Youth need to transition from the ascribed status of child to the achieved status of an adult. This process can be difficult and emotionally stressful. Being part of a subculture helps youths cope with this period, as shared interests with peers create a sense of community.
Consensus theory
Society works smoothly when everyone agrees on common values and norms. It suggests that social order is maintained
Structural theory
society is made up of different institutions and structures (like family, education, and government) that influence how people behave.
Value consensus
Organic Analogy
Social Solidarity
Collective Conscience
Social Order
Anomie
Everything has a function for society
