Functionalist Explanation

• Functionalists see youth as a '_________ period of __________' between childhood and adulthood​.

  necessary period of transition
• According to Functionalists, what proportion of youths take part in youth culture?

  All
• Abrams said that the emergence of youth culture in the 1950's was functional for society, how?


  Created a 'consumer economy' that boosted consumer spending + made jobs
• Why did Parsons say that we need a longer period of transition?


  Western societies are complex
• Who likened youth to a 'bridge'?


  Parsons
• Why did Parsons say that youth acted as a 'bridge'?

  It allows ppl to learn skills needed for adulthood before they do it alone, and imparts n+v's needed later.
• Who said that youth culture is a 'rite of passage'?

  Parsons
• Why do peers become more important during youth?

  Individuals more away from childhood > become less dependent on families > peers are now more important/take on support role > youth culture forms
• What did Einstadt argue?

  • Youth culture binds youths to society
  • They can share n+v's, feel togetherness etc.
  • Rebellion can be tolerated as its functional for society
• Who said that youth culture allows individuals to experiment + blow off steam?

  Einstadt
• AO3: How did Wyn & White critique this perspective?


  Functionalists assume that all youths participate in y' culture but W&W say that they are mainly conventional/don't significantly differ from their parents
• AO3: Which demographics may not be as free as men whilst experiencing youth?

  Females + ethnic minorities
• AO3: What were the backgrounds of Functionalist writers and why might this affect their views?

  White MC men in 1950's - their views come from a privileged place in society