functionalism key terms Flashcards
social solidarity
emphaises the interdependence between individuals in society, allowing individuals to feel like they can enhance the lives of others.
example: farmers produce the food that feeds factory workers, who produce the tractors that allow farmers to produce the food.
consensus
an agreement
Emile Durkheim
The French sociologist who developed the perspective of functionalism, and worked from 1858-1917
Organic analogy
The analogy of society being the body, in which different social institutions represent the organs and that society is self-sufficient.
Talcott Parsons
An American sociologist best known for his social action theory and structural functionalism, lived from 1902-1979.
Socialisation
the process of learning one’s culture
Social institutions
(&6 examples)
a structure of society which is organised to meet the needs of people, such as:
family, education, economy, legal system, health system and religion
Collective conscience
shared set of values/beliefs that people have, which operates as something which brings us together.
Core values
The deeply ingrained principles that influence someone’s actions.