Functionalism theory Flashcards
What type of theory is Functionalist theory ?
A consensus theory- society agrees on goals
A macro theory- looks at the needs of society
A modernist theory- shares goals with enlightenment project
What did Tallcott parsons compare society to in order to demonstrate functionalist theory ?
A biological organism, in his organic analogy he says society like an organism has different systems, needs, and functions.
How does functionalism argue social order is made possible ?
Through value consensus that is gained through socialisation and social control
What are the different parts of the social system ?
individual actions governed by norms
Status-roles come in clusters otherwise known as institutions, teach norms/values
Related institutions combine to make sub-system
What were the 4 major needs that parsons argues the system has ?
Adaptation
Goal attainment
Integration
Latency
What did parsons argue about traditional society ?
Traditional societies become modern societies through the process of social change and structural differentiation
How does merton internally critique functionalism/parsons ?
Merton criticises Parsons because he assumes that society is always a smooth running integrated system
What are the 3 assumptions that Merton says Parsons makes ?
indispensability- Different structures perform functions better/worse
functional unity- some parts of society have functional autonomy
universal functionalism- things may be functional to some groups & not others
How is functionalism externally criticised ?
Criticised for being unscientific in that some of its assertion cannot be disproved
