Functionalism explanation

Question 1

What do functionalists argue society is structured by?

Answer 1

Value consensus and this shapes behaviour.

Question 2

Value consensus

Answer 2

Agreement over core norms and values of society

Question 3

How is society beneficial for society?

Answer 3

Institutions exist to make a positive contribution to the smooth running of society and value consensus ensures there is FUNCTIONAL LINKAGE so different parts of society work together for the survival of society and maintenance of the status quo based on value consensus.

Question 4

What is meritocracy?

Answer 4

A class position a person has is a fair reflection of their TALENT, ABILITY and EFFORT.

Question 5

What does stratification allow each individual to do?

Answer 5

Enables each individual to find the right role for them.

Question 6

DURKHEIM

Answer 6

Argued modern industrial societies rely on a SPECIALISED DIVISION OF LABOUR (huge range of jobs and specialists) requiring different skills, knowledge and training.
There is a VALUE CONSENSUS that different rewards (money, status, power) should be given to different jobs according to how beneficial they are to society.

Question 7

PARSONS

Answer 7

Also argued stratification produces an unequal distribution of rewards (money, status, power) but this is inevitable and fair because it arises out of VALUE CONSENSUS and is distributed MERITOCRATICALLY. 
Some gain higher class positions because they are better than others at achieving things regarded as worthy of reward and they use higher rewards to further COLLECTIVE GOALS.

Question 8

DAVIS & MOORE

Answer 8

Argue society would break down without stratification.
ROLE ALLOCATION - roles filled by people best able to perform them — motivates those most able to undertake lengthy training to gain higher rewards.