Functionalism (T&M)

Question 1

Parsons organic analogy

Answer 1

1. SYSTEM: Human body + societies are self regulating systems of interrelated parts fitting together
2. SYSTEM NEEDS: If not met = system dies. e.g. proper socialisation of members
3. FUNCTIONS: Contribution it makes to meeting the systems needs = ensuring survival

Question 2

Parsons: Value consensus and social order

Answer 2

social order is achieved through a sense of a shared culture
‘central value system’ (norms, values and shared goals)

social order is only possible so long as members agree (value consensus)

Question 3

Parsons: integration

Answer 3

1. socialisation - teaching individuals to want to do what it requires them to do.
2. Social control - positive sanctions reward conformity, negative ones punch deviance.

Question 4

Four systems needs (GAIL)

Answer 4

GOAL ATTAINMENT: society needs to set goals and allocate resources to achieve them.

ADAPTATION: the social system meets its members’ material needs through the economic sub system

INTEGRATION: the different parts of the system must be integrated together to pursue shared goals. Sub system of religion, education

LATENCY: process that maintains society over time. The kinship sub system provides pattern maintenance (individuals performing roles society requires) and tension management (a place to let off steam after stresses of work)

Question 5

Merton: internal critique

Answer 5

criticises 3 assumptions of parsons:

1. INDISPENSABILITY: Things in society cannot be lived without - there are alternatives however
2. FUNCtiONAL UNITY: Assume that change in one part will have a knock on effect - not true with functional autonomy being present
3. UNIVERSAL FUNCTIONAL: Is everything positively functional; for all members?