Functionalism view on society

Question 1

write a brief introduction

Answer 1

structural theory, analyses macro-scale social facts (e.g culture)
consensus theory, analyses social structures working together to maintain a stable integrated society

Question 2

what is the 1st argument POINT

Answer 2

functionalists argue that social structures working together to maintain a stable integrated society

Question 3

what is the 1st argument EVIDENCE

Answer 3

Parsons
- organic analogy explains how social institutions e.g edu. system create social solidarity
- like the hidden curricum - understanding of norms e.g punctuality and overt curriculum , provides a common sense of culture through subjects like history

Question 4

what is the 1st argument ANALYSIS

Answer 4

. socialisation- education system acts acts a miniature society
. social control- conformist behaviour is rewarded and deviant behaviour is punished

Question 5

what is the 1st argument EVALUATION

Answer 5

Merton - parts of society may not work together, eg a disconnect between family and the education system
Or
edu. system fails to build social solidarity and creates criminal subcultures

Question 6

what is the 2nd argument POINT

Answer 6

modernity - began in 17th century and 18th century
key features- 1. industrial production, 2. capitalism 3. urbanisation 4. science

Question 7

what is the 2nd argument EVIDENCE

Answer 7

Durkheim
mechanical solidarity in pre-modern society
organic solidarity in modern society

Question 8

what is the 2nd argument ANALYSIS

Answer 8

Modern - specialised division of labour
people become highly proficient in one skill
division of labour increases because people depend on each other’s skills to provide good and services

Pre-modern- people work like machines and can easily be replaced

Question 9

what is the 2nd argument EVALUATION

Answer 9

Merton
specialised division of labour may be flawed because people perform repetitive robot-like tasks

Question 10

what is the MARXIST critique POINT

Answer 10

marxism -
functionalist ignores how conflict between social groups explains both society and historical change

Question 11

what is the MARXIST critique EVIDENCE

Answer 11

Mandel
- modern societies cant be explained w/o the distinction between w/c and r/c under capitalism

• criticise Functionalists
  they analyse society based on a consensus framework with people working together

Question 12

what is the MARXIST critique ANALYSIS

Answer 12

• capitalism is organised to allow the exploitation of w/c under capitalist r/c
• family and education system are examples of state apparatuses and produce a false consciousness

Question 13

what is the MARXIST critique EVALUATION

Answer 13

Durkheim and Parsons

• societies gradually evolve bcs societies are working together rather than conflict
• people’s lives are improving rather than deteriorating

Question 14

what is the POSTMODERNIST critique POINT

Answer 14

postmodernists
- functionalism is a metanarrative
- post-modern societies are globalised societies linked together by technology
- emerged since 1970s

Question 15

what is the POSTMODERNIST critique EVIDENCE

Answer 15

Lyotard
- rejects metannaratives
-globalised societies creates an interconnectedness of societies worldwide with technology esp computers

Question 16

what is the POSTMODERNIST critique ANALYSIS

Answer 16

Giddens and Beck
- individualisation thesis
- traditional social structures have been lost and people have greater individual freedom
- people are not required to follow their traditional roles
- do it yourself biography

Question 17

what is the POSTMODERNIST critique EVALUATION

Answer 17

Parsons and Durkheim
- social structures have evolved rather than lost influence
- modern societies still work together to meet the needs of people through shared values and a specialised division of labour