functionalism key people

Question 1

functionalism

Answer 1

• there is a social structure that is seperate from individuals
• we should look for universal laws
• society is based on value concensus
• see the social system as having basic needs such as adiquate socialisation

Question 2

durkheim

Answer 2

• there is a social structure made up of norms and values
• these norms and values already exist when an individual is born into society

Question 3

parsons - system needs

Answer 3

parsons says there are 4 system needs:
1. adaptation - society needs to adapt to meet its members needs
2. Goal attainment - society needs to set goals and allocate resources to achieve them
3. Integration - the different parts of the system must be integrated together to pursue shared goals
4. Latency - the process that mains society over time

Question 4

parsons - warm bath theory

Answer 4

• when a man comes back from a stressful day at work, his family provides him with stress relief and relaxation like a warm bath would
• this ensures the men’s emotional needs are met

Question 5

parsons - organic analogy

Answer 5

• society is made of different parts which all function to meet the needs of the system

Question 6

parsons - socialisation

Answer 6

there are two ways that individuals are integrated into society to ensure they conform to norms and values
1. socialisation
2. social control - positive sanctions and negative sanctions