Functionalism

Question 1

What is a consensus theory?

Answer 1

• They suggest that society is harmonious.
• Social order is maintained through a widespread agreement between people on the norms and values of society
• This is based on the value consensus

Question 2

What is a structural theory?

Answer 2

• Suggests that behaviours and values are formed by external forces
• Sociology should be concerned with studying the structue of society and the social institutions

Question 3

What approach is functionalism?

Answer 3

• Functionalism is a macro approach which looks at how different social structures construct/shape behaviour which is why we have shared values

Question 3

What do functionalists suggest about social institutions?

Answer 3

• Society is shaped by social structures.
• Society is a system of inter-connected parts that work together in harmony and maintain social order
• Social institutions contribute to an important functio for society

Question 4

What does Durkheim argue?

Answer 4

• The value consensus creates the same morals and values which would lead to scial order
• Choices have been made by external social facts which are produced by social institutions to shape our value consensus
• In a traditional society, the value consensus is strong due to religion and work
• However, in a modern society, there is different beliefs, backgrounds and globalisation
• This creates anomie which is a weakened value consensus making people feel less attatched to society and lack of social cohesion

Question 5

What are the social institutions and what function do they provide for the society?

Answer 5

1. Family = Reproducing and socialisation into norms and values
2. Education = Secondary socialisation of norms and vaues and transmits societies skills.
3. Politics = Governs members of society
4. Religion = Provides moral guidance

Question 6

What does Parson argue?

Answer 6

• Parson argued the GAIL model which suggests that society has four functional prerequisites which must be met by the sub-systems in society to ensure stability

Question 7

What does GAIL stand for?

Answer 7

1. Goal attainment = Set goals for members to achieve and makes decisions on how society is run
2. Adaptation = Adapting the environment to provide materials necessary
3. Integration = Socialisation to ensure the same values and cohesion
4. Latency = Process of maintainig society over time such as transmitting values

Question 8

What are the synoptic links to other areas?

Answer 8

1. Family = Provide primary socialisation for norms and values
2. Crime = Weakened value consensus due to anomie
3. Education = Secondary socialisation and meritocracy

Question 9

What dooes Merton argue?

Answer 9

• Dysfunctional function of society, some institutions are dysfunctional or negative such as family which can have negative functions such as domestic violence
• Manifest functions are the intended function of institutions
• Latent functions are the unintended consequences

Question 10

What are the evaluation of functionalism?

Answer 10

1. Rose tinted view of society
2. Outdated as it is based on a traditional society
3. Ignores inequality in society
4. Too deterministic