Topic 5 - Functionalism

Question 1

Durkheim’s view [3]

Answer 1

• Contributed to positivist methodology - e.g. study of suicides
• Believes social order is maintained through strengthening bonds in communities e.g. through secondary socialisation
• Believes crime is positive for society + has positive functions

Question 2

Organic analogy (Parsons) [3]

Answer 2

Sees social institutions like organs of a human body:

System
In the body cells, in society these are instiutions

System needs
Organisms have needs (e.g. nutrition), social system has needs (e.g. socialisation) to maintain social order & survive

Functions
Function of any system is based on the contribution it makes to meeting the system needs - ensures survival

Question 3

What 4 functions does society provide according to Parsons? [4]

Answer 3

• Goal attainment: society needs set goals to achieve
• Adaptation: economic sub-system meets material needs
• Integration: different parts of system must be intergrated to pursue shared goals- role of religion, education & media
• Pattern maintenance: socialises individuals to perform societies roles

Question 4

2 functions of the family according to Parsons [2]

Answer 4

• Primary Socialisation

- Stabilisation of adult personalities (warm bath)

Question 5

Why is value consensus important according to Parsons?

Answer 5

• Social order is only possible if we conform to the value consensus of shared beliefs.

Question 6

What are agents of socialisation? [4]

Answer 6

• Family
• Education
• Media
• Religion

Question 7

Merton’s view [3]

Answer 7

Strain Theory: Highlighted inequality is a cause of crime

• Criticized Parsons as not all institutions offer positive FNs: e.g. family DV, Religious conflict
• Some institutions can be replaced e.g. religion -> humanism, NAS