functionalism and culture Flashcards
what is functionalism?
a macro, structural, consensus (agreement) theory who focus on the needs of the system (society) as a whole and how these shape society and aim to describe a whole way of life.
what do functionalists believe about change?
it is gradual through evolution rather than revolution.
what type of data do functionalists prefer and why?
quantitative because they believe sociology is scientific and want to prove this in scientific ways.
they’re positivists
what did Durkheim and Mauss claim about culture in 1903?
social structures were based upon the ability to distinguish between and classify things in order to develop but this is not possible at birth and we experience a ‘continuous flow of representations’.
what did Durkheim and Mauss conclude after looking at Aboriginal tribes?
most tribes had a binary classification system, these classifications form the basis of all culture.
in these cultures there is a mechanical solidarity where ppl feel a sense of solidarity as there is little division of labour.
what is meant by the term organic solidarity?
as society evolves the division of labour becomes more specialised and people begin to focus on the differences between them. no longer similar but do rely on each other.
roles are more specialised and there’s greater individualism
what is meant by a state of Anomie?
caused by organic solidarity and results when changes in society disrupt relationships and bring values into ? potentially leading to social problems
what are 3 criticisms of Durkheim?
- it was entirely based on secondary data and ignored data which didn’t fit their hypothesis
- he is accused on being deterministic leaving little room for individual choice or expression
- they focus too strongly on consensus and don’t explain increasing conflict in society and ignore inequalities.
