Functionalist Glossary Flashcards
Consensus theory
People in society having shared interests and society functioning on the basis of there being broad consensus on its norms and values.
Social solidarity
The idea of a well integrated functioning society where all members have been socialised into its shared norms and values
Social order
Refers to the ways in which societies remain sufficiently stable to enable co-ordinated productive and cultural activity
Anomie
A state of normlessness: lack of social cohesion and solidarity
Collective consciousness
A group of society’s commonly shared fundamental beliefs, customs, norms and values
Equality of opportunity
The fairness of processes through which individuals with different backgrounds or different social groups reach particular outcomes, such as educational or occupational group
Meritocracy
A society whereby jobs and pay are allocated based on an individual’s talent and achievements rather than social status
Univerlastic values
Through school and other institutions, children learn the norms and values of wider society through which a value consensus can be achieved
Particularistic values
Rules and values give priority to personal relationships. Children learn these through primary socialisation
Ascribed status
A status assigned at birth or assumed involuntarily later in life, often based on biological factors, that cannot be changed.
Achieved status
A social position that a person can acquire on the basis of merit, a position that is earned or chosen
