Theories: Consensus Theories

Question 1

[🟢] what is functionalism ?

Answer 1

• Macro theory that sees the structure of society directing the behaviour of individuals
• Institutions of society: religion, family, judicial system
• Society is seen as a system with interconnected parts, they have a function that contribute to maintain society
• Society has functional prerequisites ( needs) that must be met. It can be met by shared norms and values

Question 2

[🟢] what is organic analogy ?

Answer 2

• Society is seen as an organism with various parts that work together to benefit the whole organism

Question 3

[🟢] what does Durkheim say about society?

Answer 3

• Society has basic requirements that need to be met in order to function effectively the most important : social order
• Individuals are brought together to form an ordered society having shared moral beliefs (collective conscience )
• This binds me,bees together creating social so,idarity

Question 4

[🟢] what does Parsons say about society?

Answer 4

• Believes in social order and that is achieved by a value consensus ( an agreement )
• Once individuals are committed to a shared value consensus it will lead to social equilibrium ( when various parts of society are in a state of balance)
• social equilibrium is achieved by: socialisation and social order of police and family and friend’s disapproval

Question 5

[🟢] What are the 4 basic functional prerequisites?

Answer 5

1. Adaptation: society needs the basic such as food, shelter and a functioning economy
2. Goal maintenance: society needs a collective goal for them to aspire to achieve
3. Integration: society needs a legal system to function
4. Pattern maintenance: institutions?

Question 6

[🟢] what is social change ?

Answer 6

• structural differentiation , how society is forever changing
• Eg: in traditional society, the extended family has many functions however lost them to factories, school, religion etc

Question 7

[🟢] How does Merton criticise functionalism ?

Answer 7

1. Universal functionalism: not all parts of the social system function well. Eg: many various faiths may divide rather than unite. Society can be: functional, dysfunctional and non-functional
2. Indispensability: untested assumptions, there are alternative functions. Eg: one- parent family may socialise as well or even better than a nuclear family
3. Manifest and latent functions: distinction between the two. Manifest are positive intended and recognised whilst latent is not intended nor recognised
   The manifest function of prison is to punish the criminal, the latent function is to reaffirm the norms and how to behave appropriately in society

Question 8

[🟢] what is the evaluation of functionalism?

Answer 8

• Conflict theories ( Marxist and feminist): functionalist is a rose-tinted view, they see too much of the positives and ignore the negatives
• Interactionist: Functionalism is too deterministic, not everyone is controlled by society. Eg: LGBTQ community don’t conform to gender norms