Functionalism

• Who developed the functionalism perspective in sociology?

  Emile Durkheim
• What analogy did Durkheim use to describe society?

  Society is like a human body
• What are the two main components Durkheim identified for society to function smoothly?

  Social cohesion and social control
• How does Durkheim's concept of social cohesion relate to societal problems?

  Problems can indicate dysfunctions elsewhere
• What does Durkheim mean by social cohesion?

  Extent to which people are bound together
• What does Durkheim mean by social control?

  Extent to which anti-social behavior is prevented
• What happens in a society with too little social cohesion?

  It becomes selfish and people don't help
• What happens in a society with too much social control?

  It leads to oppression and tyranny
• What is the role of consensus in functionalism according to Durkheim?

  It maintains the balance of social cohesion and control
• What are the two stages of socialisation in functionalism?

  • Primary socialisation: learning family values
  • Secondary socialisation: learning societal values
• What is primary socialisation?

  Learning particularistic values from family
• What is secondary socialisation?

  Learning universalistic values from society
• How does functionalism view social change?

  As a gradual process that happens naturally
• Who are some key functionalists mentioned?

  • Talcott Parsons
  • Davis and Moore
  • Young and Wilmott
  • Robert Merton
  • Walt Rostow
• What are key functionalist ideas?

  • Organic change over radical change
  • Meritocracy in society
  • Positive functions of social institutions