Functionalists

Question 1

How would functionalism be described?

Answer 1

A modernist, consensus conflict theory viewing society as a social system.

Question 2

Who came up with the idea of functional prerequisites?

Answer 2

Parsons

Question 3

What are functional prerequisites?

Answer 3

Functionalists argue that these are basic needs or requirements that must be met if society is to survive. These include socialisation of the young, the production of food, the care of the venerable. Social institutions exist to satisfy these needs and meet the functional prerequisites and benefit society as a whole. All social phenomenon have a function like crime and deviance alerts if something is wrong.

Question 4

What did Merton argue on the existence of dysfunctions?

Answer 4

He critised Parsons for the assumption that all social institutions are positive for individuals as things can go wrong in such a complex system. When these things go wrong its called dysfunction. As an integrated system, problems in one area can lead to problems in another such as a dysfunctional family can lead to issues in education which can lead to ASB and have an impact on the criminal justice system. He argued that each institution had manifest functions and latent functions.

Question 5

What are manifest functions?

Answer 5

Intended consequences

Question 6

What are latent functions?

Answer 6

Unintended consequences