Functionalists

Question 1

How does Emile Durkheim define Functionalism?

Answer 1

shared experiences, perspectives, values, beliefs and behaviours - people to feel like a group
social solidarity - collective conscience

Question 2

What does Emile Durkheim mean by ‘Social Solidarity’? And how is it achieved?

Answer 2

binding together as a shared culture
achieved through combination of rules, norms and roles

Question 3

What did Emile Durkheim see as the impact of not having a ‘sense of belonging’ or ‘sharing norms’?

Answer 3

anomie - social breakdown

Question 4

What is Parsons ‘organic analogy’?

Answer 4

society as biological organism (like human body) each part plays a role in maintaining social order

Question 5

What is Functionalism?

Answer 5

Theory that all aspects of a society—institutions, roles, norms, etc.—serve a purpose for the long-term survival of the society.