Theory and Methods-Perspectives (Functionalism) (2) Flashcards
What is Functionalism?
-Sees society as a system in which the parts, the structure, direct the behaviour of its members.
-It is a consensus theory.
What did Emile Durkheim focus on?
-analysis of functions.
-on social order and social solidarity.
What does Durkheim assume?
-society has basic needs which must be met in order to function.
What does Durkheim say is the main function of society’s parts?
-“essential similarities which collective life demands.
What are the “essential similarities”?
-cooperation
-unity
-social order.
What does Durkheim question?
-how groups of society can be brought together to form an ordered society.
What has to be “present in an individual”?
-society
What is a collective conscience?
-Shared morality
-It binds members of society together
-Makes social solidarity.
What does Durkheim see that reinforces shared morality?
-Religion
} strengthens social obligations -> sacred terms.
What does Parsons question?
-How social order is possible
What was Parson’s answer to his question?
-Value consensus.
}an agreement of members of society about values.
If society was committed to the same values what will they share? (Parsons)
- a common identity
} provides a basis for unity + cooperation.
What does value consensus lead to? (Parsons)
- state of equilibrium
What were the two ways in which social ⇌ was maintained?
-socialisation
} transmission of society’s values.
} primary function of family + lesser ext. of the education system.
-social control
} from police through dis/approval of family + friends.
What does Parson see society as?
- A system of GAIL.
What does GAIL stand for?
Goal attainment:
~decides what goals society as a whole should achieve.
ADAPTATION:
~adapt to the environment and the production of goods and services.
INTEGRATION:
~achieve social cohesion.
LATENCY:
~socialise the young into shared values.
What does Parsons think about social change?
-no social system in perfect state of ⇌
-certain ° of ⇌ needed for survival of societies.
- moving ⇌
What does Merton question?
-some parts of functionalism
-all parts of the social system are functional for the entire system } universal functionalism.
Why is universal functionalism doubtful?
-society has various faiths,
} religions may divide than unite.
What are the 3 parts a society could be according to Merton?
-Functional- beneficial to society.
-Dysfunctional- harmful to society.
-Non-functional- may have no effect on society.
What does indispensable mean? (Merton)
- society cannot operate without them.
What does Merton argue about functional prerequisites?
- a wide range of functional alternatives may be able to perform the same task.
What does Merton also argue?
-the assumptions of UF and I should not be taken for granted. -> should not be assumed
-parts of society should be analysed by effects on or consequences for society as a whole.
What are manifest functions?
-positive functions “intended and recognised by participants in the system.”
