functionalism key terms

Question 1

social solidarity

Answer 1

emphaises the interdependence between individuals in society, allowing individuals to feel like they can enhance the lives of others.

example: farmers produce the food that feeds factory workers, who produce the tractors that allow farmers to produce the food.

Question 2

consensus

Answer 2

an agreement

Question 3

Emile Durkheim

Answer 3

The French sociologist who developed the perspective of functionalism, and worked from 1858-1917

Question 4

Organic analogy

Answer 4

The analogy of society being the body, in which different social institutions represent the organs and that society is self-sufficient.

Question 5

Talcott Parsons

Answer 5

An American sociologist best known for his social action theory and structural functionalism, lived from 1902-1979.

Question 6

Socialisation

Answer 6

the process of learning one’s culture

Question 7

Social institutions
(&6 examples)

Answer 7

a structure of society which is organised to meet the needs of people, such as:

family, education, economy, legal system, health system and religion

Question 8

Collective conscience

Answer 8

shared set of values/beliefs that people have, which operates as something which brings us together.

Question 9

Core values

Answer 9

The deeply ingrained principles that influence someone’s actions.