Functionalism

• Functionalism

  Structural

  Macro

  Consensus
• Durkheim

  Social solidarity + order - through shared values

  Society exists above its members - social facts = things we can't control, just the way it is
• Parsons - organic analogy

  Everything in society works together to function and is essential
• Parsons - value consensus


  Shared norms and values within society

  Value consensus achieved through socialisation (primary = family, secondary = school) and social control (positive sanctions = reward conformity, negative sanctions = punish deviance)
• Parsons - AGIl needs

  Adaptation - adapt for material needs

  Goal attainment - individuals reaching goals

  Integration - working together for shared goals

  Latency - stress relief, tension management
• Merton - internal critique

  Indispensability: not every part of society is essential e.g. 'functional alternatives' : lone parents rather than nuclear family

  Functional unity: not everything works together e.g. 'functional autonomy' - parts of complex societies are unrelated

  Universal functionalism - not everything in society works for everyone e.g. dysfunction