Functionalism: Consensus structuralism

• What is the organic analogy in Functionalism?

  • Society works like a human body with vital institutions.
  • Institutions (family, education, government) work interdependently.
  • Malfunctions (e.g., crime) reinforce norms and values.
  • Society's function is essential for survival and development.
• Why is value consensus important in Functionalism?

  It must be constantly reinforced to prevent it from atrophying or eroding.
• What are positive and negative sanctions in Functionalism?

  They are mechanisms to reinforce social norms and values.
• How does education contribute to society from a functionalist perspective?

  • Shapes individuals and instills societal norms.
  • Works with government to ensure safety and role allocation.
  • Prepares young people for vital institutions.
  • Teaches British norms and values.
• How does the family contribute to socialization?

  The family socializes children into societal norms and values from a young age.
• What are the four functional prerequisites identified by Parsons for a successful society?

  1. Goal Attainment
  2. Adaptation
  3. Integration
  4. Latency
• What does goal attainment involve in Parsons' theory?

  It involves selecting and defining society's priorities and providing means to achieve them.
• What does adaptation refer to in Parsons' theory?

  Adapting to the environment and providing basic necessities to achieve social goals.
• What is integration in Parsons' theory?

  Coordinating all parts of the system to achieve shared goals and a sense of belonging.
• What does latency refer to in Parsons' theory?

  Minimizing social tensions and interpersonal conflicts to ensure efficient functioning of society.
• What are manifest and latent functions in sociology?

  • Manifest functions: Intended and recognized consequences of social actions.
  • Latent functions: Unintended and unrecognized consequences of social actions.
• Which sociologist proposed there was manifest and latent functions?

  Merton
• What do functionalists say about social change?

  It occurs when new functions emerge or society needs to adapt since they are linked together and need to remain balances
• What is structural differentiation according to Parsons?

  New and more specialised institutions emerge to take over functions from a previous institution
• What are the strengths of the functionalist approach?

  Provides a general theory of the working of society

  Recognises importance of social structure in understanding society

  Explains social order and stability and confortmity of rules

  Explains cosntraint of individual behaviour and links between major institutions
• What are the weaknesses of the functionalist approach?

  Too deterministic, doesn't consider free will

  Metanarrative = outdated approach

  Over emphasises positive functions and overlooks negative ones

  Marxists argue that norms and values are based on the ruling class ideology