Topic 5 - Functionalism

Question 1

What type of theory is Functionalism?

Answer 1

A Macro Theory (also a consensus theory)

Question 2

What does Parson note about society?

Answer 2

It is an organic system where all institutions are interlinked e.g. family, education etc.

Where each person fills a role within society to the needs of the wider structure.

(Organic Analogy)

Question 3

What does Parson’s note about value consensus and social order?

Answer 3

That they bind society with a shared culture and goals, which creates a glue that brings society together.

Question 4

What is the ‘integration of individuals’?

Answer 4

A process that occurs via value consensus toward a set of agreed and shared norms, that is facilitated by socialization and agents of socialization.

Question 5

What are agents of socialization?

Answer 5

The family or schools

Question 6

What does Durkheim discuss about ‘clusters’?

Answer 6

That we are all part of a system and take on roles which follow norms and values that are the building block of society, with each role coming in clusters.

With institutions having their own clusters of norms and values creating a subsystem.

Question 7

What does Parsons mean by the AGIL system (the basic needs of society)?

Answer 7

1. Adaption - the economic system
2. Goal Attainment - the political system
3. Integration - the religion media and education system
4. Latency - the kinship, allows to let off steam (Parsons warm bath theory)

Question 8

What do functionalists believe about social change?

Answer 8

That it will occur over time and gradually, with society changing when it needs to forming a more complex system from a simple one.

Question 9

What is meant by Indispensability (Parsons)?

Answer 9

Parsons suggests that society is indispensable in its existing form (it can’t function without it).

Question 10

What does Merton suggest about Indispensability?

Answer 10

That it is an untested assumption and that there are ‘functional alternatives’ e.g. single parents can equally socialise their child.

Question 11

What does Parsons mean by Universal Functionalism?

Answer 11

That everything in society performs a positive function for society as a whole, although some things may be dysfunctional.

Question 12

What are some internal critics of functionalism?

Answer 12

Merton suggested that:

1. Functional Autonomy - some things can work independently.
2. Some institutions are dysfunctional
3. Not every part of society is necessary

Question 13

What does Merton mean by Latent & Manifest functions?

Answer 13

Latent - is an unintended function that can bring people together.
Manifest - is a function that is intended

Question 14

What are some external criticisms of Functionalism?

Answer 14

1. Logical criticisms e.g. the ideology of functionalism is flawed (impossible to falsify)
2. Conflict perspective - Ignores power and inequalities in society e.g. class, gender, race.
3. Action theories - suggest that it is too deterministic and it is possible to have individual choice.]
4. Postmodernist - suggest society will not develop slowly and steadily and society is flawed and becoming fragmented.