Functionalism

• What are sociological theories?

  How society functions and what causes societies to change
• What are consensus theories?

  A group of theories which state that societies are based on agreement

  E.g. sharing common norms and values
• What is the central idea of functionalism?

  Analysing social institutions as the functions they perform in society
• What does the term "Structural Theory" mean?

  A system of parts in which they are linked together to provide a function
• PARSONS : What is socialisation?

  The process of a person conforming to society's norms, values and culture
• PARSONS : What are values?

  The ideas behind behaviours
• PARSONS : Where do we get these values?

  Through family via primary socialisation and school via secondary socialisation
• PARSONS : What is a value consensus?

  Individuals in society agree on the main values a society has
• What is the "organic analogy"?

  The belief from functionalists that society has vital functions like the human body
• What are the 3 points Parsons makes to support the organic analogy?

  1. System interdependence 2. System needs 3. System functions
• DURKHEIM : What is social solidarity?

  A feeling of belonging and unity to a larger community with a shared identity
• DURKHEIM : What is anomie?

  The breakdown of social bonds between an individual and the community
• What are the 2 key criticisms of functionalism?

  1. Functionalism fails to explain conflicts in society
  2. Not everything in society has a function