Theory and Methods- Functionalism and New Right Flashcards
How do structural theories view society?
As a whole system made up of different parts that mesh together
What is Parsons’ organic analogy?
It shows how society acts like a living organism- an organism has a series or organs that are interconnected and interdependent and Parsons says society is made up of interconnected and interdependent parts
Why do functionalists describe change as evolutionary?
If there’s a change in one part of society, other parts will slowly evolve to adapt to this change
What is the effect of social ills?
They can gradually ‘infect’ other parts of society
What does value consensus mean?
Interrelations between the various parts of society can only happen because all members of society agree on values and norms
How do individuals receive agreed values and norms? (2 ways)
- Socialisation
- Social control, conformity is rewarded and non-conformity is sanctioned
What is an anomie?
A state of moral confusion and social instability that’s bad for individuals and society
Who suggested the concept of anomie?
Durkheim
How can an anomie be brought about?
If society changes too quickly and norms are lost before new ones are created
What is the AGIL schema?
Adaptation (economic subsystem)
Goal attainment (political subsystem)
Integration (cultural subsystem)
Latency (kinship subsystem)
What are the material instrumental needs?
Adaptation and goal attainment
What are the emotional expressive needs?
Integration and latency
Who were the early functionalists?
Comte, Durkheim and Parsons
What kind of theory is functionalism?
Macro-theory
Why is functionalism useful?
To show how the main institutions of society are linked to each other
How does Durkheim’s study of suicide help to explain activities and actions that superficially seem unusual or strange?
He argues that the social structure and problems in the modern world cause people to commit suicide, what seems to be an individual act is actually part of a wider social picture
How does Merton internally criticise functionalism for its focus on harmony and cooperation?
He argues that some things that are functional for one group may cause problems for another
How does Wrong (action theorist) criticise functionalism?
He argues that functionalists give too much importance to the role of society in determining people’s behaviour
How is functionalism criticised for trying to see a positive purpose in all aspects of society?
Durkheim claimed that if a social phenomenon didn’t fulfil a function, it wouldn’t exist
Why do conflict theorists criticise functionalism?
Functionalists say that conflict in society is minimal because people accept that inequality is inevitable but conflict theorists see functionalism as a conservative approach to society that upholds inequality and injustice. Problems suffered by working classes, women and ethnic minorities haven’t been adequately explained and justified by functionalism
How is the idea of meritocracy criticised?
Suggests that society is already fair so it’s pointless trying to make things more equal
How do postmodernists criticise functionalism?
They argue that society is too diverse for functionalism to be relevant and they say the idea of value consensus can’t account for the variety of lifestyles and values in postmodern society
What does the New Right believe?
Traditional institutions and values in society are what maintain social order
What do New Right thinkers say about the family?
It is one of the most important social institutions as the family socialises children into traditional norms and values and reinforces traditional gender roles (they believe these roles are essential for society’s stability)
What do New Right sociologists favour?
The nuclear family and marriage is crucial
Why does the New Right believe that society is breaking down?
Due to a decline in traditional moral standards- they blame changes in family structure, an over-generous welfare state and too much sexual freedom
How do feminists criticise the New Right?
For wanting to focus on marriage and children and not work outside the home- this is harmful to women’s rights
How do Abbott and Wallace criticise the New Right?
New Right theorists are wrong to prioritise marriage so much because some women feel trapped in unhappy or abusive marriages
What do feminists argue about New Right thinking?
It is an attempt to justify a patriarchal society
