Sociological theories

Question 1

Durkheim (Functionalist)

Answer 1

Humans = “Homo Duplex” (2 natures) =
1) Egotistical = selfish
2) Social = acts for the good of others.
Role of social institutions within society is to encourage the social side to dominate (necessary for society’s survival).

Question 2

Parsons (Functionalist)

Answer 2

Society = like a human body (organic analogy) = self regulating/social institutions (like organs = work together to maintain the health of the whole).
Functional Prerequisites of society = society’s most basic needs = AGIL =
Adaptation = environment adapts to match people’s needs.
Goal attainment = sets goals + allocates resources to meet them.
Integration = integrating people so they pursue society’s common goals.
Latency = maintaining society overtime by producing new members of society.
Survival of society through value consensus = socialisation + social control.

Question 3

Davis + Moore (Functionalists)

Answer 3

Compared different societies to find the functional prerequisites = social stratification + means of reproducing.