Theories - Functionalism

Question 1

Overview of functionalism

Answer 1

Structural perspective - focuses on the needs of society as a whole and how each part contributes to its stability
Consensus Theory - sees society as based on shared values which unifies society

Question 2

Durkheim’s views

Answer 2

Concerned with understanding rapid social change caused by industrialisation
Society exists seperately to individuals, it’s a system made from social facts that shape human behaviour to meet society’s needs

Question 3

Durkheim - society’s changes

Answer 3

Tradition society - based on mechanical solidarity (integration of society members who have common values and beliefs) meaning strong collective conscience

Modern society - based on complex division of labour. Promotes differences in social group & weakens social solidarity as there’s more individual freedome (not good)

Question 4

Parson’s views

Answer 4

society based on social order which is achieved through a shared culture or central value system which must be shared by everyone for it to be maintained (value consensus)

Question 5

Parsons - socialisation

Answer 5

System teaches individuals to wants to do what it requires through primary & secondary socialisation. they internalise dominant norms & values and maintain value consensus?

Question 6

Parsons - social control

Answer 6

Social control - conforming to dominant norms and values & get rewarded with positive sanctions but non conformity punished through negative sanctions. Convinces people youre a good person if you conform to the norm

Question 7

Merton’s views

Answer 7

society is an organism with various parts & each part has a function to perform - yet also aware that some functions were disruptive to society

Question 8

Merton’s 2 functions - manifest

Answer 8

Manifest functions - intended social functions of an institution or action. function they are designed to serve e.g function of school is to prepare them for work or provide education.

Question 9

Merton’s 2 functions - Latent

Answer 9

Latent funtcions - unintended social functions of a social institution or action that may be useful, but not the reason they exist. e.g schools also secondarily teach social skills and cultural values.

Question 10

Mertons internal critic 1 - Universal functionalism

Answer 10

• parsons holds the view that everything in society performs positive functions. Merton sees that some parts of society is dysfunctional for some social groups (domestic violence)

Question 11

Mertons internal critic 2 - Indispensability

Answer 11

• Parsons thinks everything in socety is necessary to function e.g nuclear familiy for primary socialisation, but merton believes there can be functional alternatives that work just as well like single parent.

Question 12

Mertons internal critic 3 - Functional unity

Answer 12

• Parsons thinks all parts of society are integrated and they all work in unity and if one part of society is changed itll have a knock on effect on another. Merton disagrees, says complex modern societies have multiple parts & they may work distantly from others, having functional autonomy. e.g nuclear family won’t make society fall apart if it dissapeared.

Question 13

Functionalist positives

Answer 13

• Explains why most people conform to the rules of society (socialisation, social control).
• explains links between social structure & institutions.

Question 14

Functionalist criticisms

Answer 14

• Conflict theory criticisms - society isn’t harminous & this view legitamises inequality.
• Values are not consensus, they are inflicted onto us by dominant members of society. Downplaying inequality and the unequal distribution of power.