functionalism

Question 1

functionalism is a consensus theory because

Answer 1

• believe society is glued together by value consensus which means people share norms and values due to socialization
• say that everything has a function in society this binds them together harmoniously

Question 2

society as a social system

Answer 2

• social structure of societies reassembles social systems that’s made up of different parts which all depend on each other

Question 3

functions of social system: value consensus

Answer 3

• members are socialised into consensus on norms and values
  e. g. freedom of speech is an important British value

Question 4

functions of social system: social integration

Answer 4

• people are encouraged to belong to a community that has something in common
• a common identity binds people together so they experience solidarity and sense of belonging

Question 5

functions of social system: division of labour

Answer 5

• people are encouraged to take their place in economic division of labour
  e. g. acquire skills needed to become the next labour force at a young age

Question 6

biological analogy

Answer 6

• see society works like organs that function together to keep the body healthy just like how institutions work together to bring social order

Question 7

Parson’s similarities between society and biological organs

Answer 7

system: society and biological organisms have inter- dependent parts that function together

system needs: organisms’ need must be met so does social institutions to meet society’s needs

functions: each part of the body has a function and so does society

Question 8

Parsons: basic needs - goal attainment

Answer 8

• political function; societies must develop ways of making decisions about allocating power and economic resources

Question 9

Parsons: basic needs - adaptation

Answer 9

• economic function; every society provide adequate standard of life to survive

Question 10

Parsons: basic needs - intergration

Answer 10

• social harmony; institutions develops in response to particular functions
• e.g. media, education, religions

Question 11

Parsons: basic needs - latency

Answer 11

unstated consequences of actions:

• pattern maintenance; young are socialised into believe same sets of norms and values
• tension management; family prevents disorder and dysfunction

Question 12

social roles

Answer 12

• each institutions has social roles which are responsibilities with particular expected norms of behavior
• e.g. husband/wife perform instrumental/economic roles and expressive/emotional roles

Question 13

Parsons: social change

Answer 13

• some societies have evolved into more complex pattern variables due to structural differentiation

e.g. modern society rely on schools, universities than family
traditional society rely on religion and family

Question 14

social change: traditional societies

Answer 14

• status is ascribed from birth
• people receive special treatment due to being a member of a particular group
• people aim to satisfy their needs immediately

Question 15

social change: modern societies

Answer 15

• status is earned through hard work
• everybody is treated the same way
• people postpone their need for gratification

Question 16

MERTON’s internal critique

Answer 16

parson failed to realise difference between:

• manifest (intended functions)
• latent (unintended functions) some functions aren’t always functional some may be dysfunctional

Question 17

SHARROCK’s theoretical critiques

Answer 17

• Marxists and feminists says that it overemphasizes level of consensus and ignores how conflict can result in social change
• WRONG; criticises determinism of parson’s views of people being puppets therefore parsons ignores that people are more reflexive
• postmodernists says functionalists reject diversity and instability