Functionalist Viewpoints

• What is consensus theory


  Society is based on agreement or shared norms and values (beliefs and expectations and behaviours) eg functionalism
• What are structural theories (Macro)


  Structures in wider society like social class that affect how we behave.

  Favour quantitative data eg statistics

  Functionists,Marxists,Feminists
• What are action theories (Micro)


  Highlight the fact that individuals create society through actions and interactions. Favour qualitative data eg participant observation, as they believe it is more valid and gives more insight and depth
• What are conflict theories

  Society is based on conflict and an imbalance of power between different groups eg Marxism (conflict between bourgeoisie and proletariat)and Feminism (conflict between men and women)
• What is social solidarity


  A sense of belonging to society/community
• What is meritocracy


  functionalists believe society is meritocratic,this is based on the idea of fair competition,where talent and effort decide who succeeds in society,success and achievements are based on merit alone.
• What is Industrialisation?

  The process whereby the economic system shifted from being agricultural to working in factories, with new forms of manufactoring. In the UK, the industrial revolution occured in 18th and 19th century
• What is meant by social cohesion/solidarity


  The extent to which people in society were bound together in common purpose
• What is meant by social control


  The extent to which people were prevented from behaving in an anti-social manner
• what are shared norms and values

  .expected ways of behaving social rules which govern social behaviour
• what is ascribed status

  a position in social group that one is born into or have no control over
• what is achieved status

  a person can acquire status based on on the basis of merit and is earned or chosen through ones own efforts-reflects personal skills ,abilities and efforts
• What is Role allocation

  sifting and sorting of people into the roles that they will go on to perform in life eg standardised exams
• What is the Functionalist view on society

  .society is based on consensus functioning as a system of interrelated parts working together to maintain stability and social harmony
• Wha is the Functionalist view on social order

  .Maintained through value consensus and social solidarity
• What is the Functionalist view on social institutions

  .Serves to fulfill the needs of society and maintain social order (family and education )
• What is the Functionalist view on capitalism

  .Neutral,sees capitalism as a system that can contribute to social stability if regulated