Chapter One - Functionalism

Question 1

What theory is functionalist theory?

Answer 1

A structural, consensus theory
it focuses on the needs of the social system as a whole

Question 2

What is a consensus theory?

Answer 2

a theory that views consensus as a key distinguishing feature of a group of people or society. Consensus is the collective agreement of individuals.

Question 3

What does parsosns use to describe society

Answer 3

organic anlalogy

Question 4

What is Emile Durkheim’s Functionalism Theory?

Answer 4

Concerned with understanding rapid social change brought about with industrialisation
Traditional society based on ‘mechanical solidarity’ and strong collective conscience
Industrial society = more complex causes change and anomie, challenge of modernity = how to achieve ‘organic solidarity’
Society exists as a separate entity above its members, as a system of ‘social facts’. It affects people irrespective of their individual thoughts and feelings.

Question 5

Talcott Parson’s Functionalism Theory?

Answer 5

Society is based on value consensus and social order
Society needs individuals to be integrated – this is achieved through socialisation and social control
The social system has four basic needs: instrumental (adaptation and goal attainment) and expressive (integration and latency)
Social change is gradual and evolutionary/ progressive – societies gradually evolve by moving from simple to more complex and larger structures.