Functionalism

• Who is considered the 'founding father' of sociology?

  Emile Durkheim
• What type of theory is functionalism?

  Functionalism is a positive, consensus theory.
• What do functionalists believe about members of society?

  They believe that all members have been socialised into the same set of norms and values.
• What is meant by 'collective conscience' in functionalism?

  Collective conscience refers to the shared norms and values that bind society together.
• What does the organic analogy suggest about society?

  If you can understand how a body works, you can understand how society works.
• How does society function according to the organic analogy?

  Society functions similarly to a body, with different parts working together to maintain stability.
• What are social institutions compared to in the organic analogy?

  Social institutions are compared to organs in a body.
• What are functional prerequisites in relation to social institutions?

  Functional prerequisites are the purposes and responsibilities that each social institution must comply with.
• What are some examples of social institutions?

  • Family
  • Government
  • Criminal justice system
  • National health service
  • Media and social media
  • Occupation/work
  • Education system
  • Monarchy
  • Economy and finance
  • Leisure
• According to Durkheim, which social institution is the most valuable and important?

  Durkheim believed that the most valuable and important social institution is family.
• What is socialisation in the context of functionalism?

  Socialisation is the teaching of norms, values, and culture through various social institutions throughout our lives.
• What are the two parts of socialisation?

  The two parts of socialisation are primary socialisation and secondary socialisation.
• What is primary socialisation?

  Primary socialisation is the learning of norms and values during the first few years of life, mostly taught by family members.
• What is secondary socialisation?

  Secondary socialisation involves the teaching of norms and values through education, media, peer groups, and religion.
• What does collective conscience lead to in society?

  Collective conscience leads to the establishment of norms that everyone follows.
• What is social solidarity?


  Social solidarity is when a society has a shared culture and values.
• What is consensus theory in functionalism?

  Consensus theory suggests that everyone loves the norms and values, and they work for society as a whole.
• How does consensus theory view society?

  Consensus theory views society in a positive light, where everyone lives in unison.
• What is the educational context of collective conscience in a multicultural society?

  Collective conscience must consider diverse norms and values in a multicultural society.