Functionalism

Question 1

functionalism - society is a social system

Answer 1

interconnected parts that fit together to form an integrated whole
all social phenomena have some function in society

Question 2

functionalism - functional perquisites

Answer 2

social institutions exist to satisfy the basic needs that must be met for society to survive

Question 3

functionalism - durkheim

Answer 3

social institutions socialise people into a value consensus & collective conscience to build social cohesion & solidarity to maintain social order

Question 4

functionalism - function of agencies of socialisation

Answer 4

enable social life to be order, predictable, harmonious

Question 5

functionalism - structural differentiation

Answer 5

parson

as societies evolve, specialised institutions take over the functions performed by a single institution

Question 6

functionalism - merton (dysfunction)

Answer 6

not all social institutions perform beneficial functions for society
dysfunction creates tension and harmful effects
dysfunctional families affect crime/education

Question 7

functionalism - manifest function

Answer 7

intended outcome of the actions of an individual/institution

Question 8

functionalism - latent function

Answer 8

unintended outcome of the action of an individual/institution

Question 9

functionalism - evaluation

Answer 9

• too deterministic; people not passive, have free will/choice
• metanarrative
• over-empahises beneficial aspects of function & ignores harmful dysfunctions
• social institutions impose ideas of dominant social class on society; doesn’t provide stability

Question 10

new right - emphasises

Answer 10

importance of socialisation into shared core values for social stability
condemns anything that threatens this

Question 11

new right - what has the welfare state caused?

Answer 11

dependency culture, undermines personal responsibilities
people want to avoid work by living off benefits
contribues to wider social problems