Consensus structuralism

• What is the main consensus theory mentioned in the study material?

  Functionalism
• How do structural theorists view society?

  As a system of parts that mesh together
• What does the term "social salary" refer to in Durkheim's functionalism?

  It refers to the law of states that come from the nature of society
• What analogy do functionalists use to describe the nature of society?

  The organic analogy
• According to Parsons, how does society function?


  Like a living organism with interconnected and interdependent parts
• What happens when there is a change in one part of society, according to functionalists?

  Other parts will slowly evolve to adapt to this change
• What effect do social issues like excessive crime have on society?

  They have a disabling effect on certain parts of society
• What is value consensus in functionalism?

  It is the agreement among members of society on values and norms
• How are values and norms passed down in society?

  Through socialization from generation to generation
• What happens to non-conformity in society, according to functionalists?

  Non-conformity is sanctioned
• What does Durkheim mean by "moral confusion"?

  It refers to a state where norms are lost before new ones can be created
• What are the four major subsystems that functionalism says society's needs are met by?

  Political, economic, kinship, and cultural subsystems
• What are instrumental needs in functionalism?

  Needs related to the material aspects of life
• What are expressive needs in functionalism?

  Emotional needs, such as the need to belong
• How does functionalism explain the role of education in society?

  As a means to socialize individuals into societal norms and values
• What is a macro-theory in sociology?


  A large-scale theory that explains the functioning of society as a whole
• What did Durkheim's study of suicide reveal about individual actions?

  That individual acts are part of a wider social picture
• What is the criticism of functionalism regarding conflict and inequality?

  It ignores the conflicts and inequalities between groups in society
• What do conflict theorists argue about functionalism?

  That it upholds inequality and injustice in society
• What is meritocracy according to functionalists?


  The idea that people succeed based on their own merits
• What do critics say about the relevance of functionalism in today's diverse society?


  That it cannot account for the variety of styles and values
• What do New Right theorists believe about traditional institutions?

  That they maintain social order
• Why do New Right theorists prioritize the family?

  Because they believe it socializes children into traditional norms and values
• What do New Right theorists blame for the breakdown of society?

  Changes in family structures and a decline in traditional moral standards
• How do feminists criticize New Right theorists?

  For wanting women to focus on marriage and children at the expense of their careers
• What do feminist theorists argue about New Right thinking?

  That it justifies a patriarchal society
• What are the main criticisms of functionalism?

  • Ignores conflict and inequality in society
  • Overemphasizes harmony and cooperation
  • Fails to account for individual agency and free will
  • Cannot explain the variety of styles and values in modern society
• What are the key features of New Right theory?

  • Emphasis on traditional institutions and values
  • Belief in the importance of the nuclear family
  • Critique of changes in family structures
  • Blame for societal problems on moral decline and welfare state
• What are the four main subsystems in society according to functionalism?

  1. Political subsystem
  2. Economic subsystem
  3. Kinship subsystem
  4. Cultural subsystem
• What is the organic analogy in functionalism?

  • Society is compared to a living organism
  • Different parts of society are interconnected and interdependent
  • Changes in one part affect other parts