what is a consensus theory
A theory that believes that social institutions work together to create social solidarity and cohesion
what is a structural theory
a theory that focuses on how social institutions affect our day-to-day decisions and choices
what is a value consensus
when society is in agreement with each other and co-operates with each other, which then allows for a smooth running society.
who is the key thinker for functionalism
Durkhiem
Who developed durkheim’s ideas
Parsons
what is a social facts
external controls on our behaviour
what are Durkheim’s two main ideas of society
- society shapes an individual(Top-down theory).
2.social solidarity and cohesion is achieved through the socialization process. Without this society would fall into a state of anomie
explain Durkheim’s ‘top-down’ theory
the institutions of society influence the behaviours of individuals
what is anomie
a state of normlessness(no one knows what write from wrong, because everything is considered okay)
what is the anaolgy that was used to explain how society is a body?
who used it?
Organic analogy
Parsons
identify and explain the three similarities parsons makes between society and humans
- System - just like humans have organs that are interconnected and interdependent that function for the good of the body , so does society. he belives that societal institutions serves functions to benefit the others.
- System needs - Just like the body has needs that need to be met, so does society. societal institutions have evolved to meet societies needs
- Function - Just like the organs of the body function for the good of the body, so does social institutions. social institutions have function that benefit society.
what are the two means of maintaining value consensus and social order according to functionalist?
formal control
informal control
Identify the four basic needs of society according to parsons?
G - Goal Attainment (political function)
A - Adaption(economic function)
I - Integration(social harmony)
L - Latency
Define latency
the unstated consequences of actions
Identify and explain the two types of latency
- pattern maintenance - maintaining value consensus through socialization
- Tension maintenance - Opportunities to release tension in a safe way
who is the internal critic of functionalism
Merton
what are Merton’s three main criticisms of Parsons assumptions?
INDISPENSABILITY - not all institutions are dispensable and that there are other alternatives e.g.the family is not the only place where individuals get primary socialization from.
FUNCTIONAL UNITY - Not all instituitions are as tightly linked like parsons suggest, e.g. banking and education.
UNIVERSAL FUNSTIONALISM - Not all institutions perform a positive function for society, instead for some people they are dysfunctional e.g. when domestic violence is present then the family becomes dysfunctional.
what are manifest functions?
the intended function of a social institution.
What are Latent functions?
the unintended function of a social institution.
Identify and the FOUR external criticisms of functionalism
- logical criticisms
- Conflict criticisms
- Postmordern perspectives
- Action perspective
outline the logical Criticisms of functionalism
- TELEOLOGICAL - a thing exisit because of its function and not its origin.
- CONTRADICTORY - how can something be functional and dysfunctional at the same time.
- UNSCIENTIFIC - impossible to verify the theory
Outline the conflict criticisms of functionalism
- overly positive
- conservative (tries to maintain the status-quo)
- legitimizes the position of the powerful
Outline what the Action perspective on functionalism is
- (Dennis wrong) functionalism is deterministic; no free will.
- rarifies society - treating it as a distinct thing.
Outline what the Postmordern perspective of functionalism is
- outdated - due to being a meta narrative
- unable to explain diversity and instability in society
