functionalism Flashcards
(27 cards)
How does Functionalism compare society to a biological organism?
Different parts of society (e.g., family, education system, economy) work together to maintain social equilibrium.
What is the major focus of Functionalism?
Social order and stability.
Who is considered one of the founding figures of Functionalism?
Émile Durkheim.
What is social solidarity according to Durkheim?
The bonds that bring people together and are essential to understanding how societies function.
What type of solidarity existed in traditional societies?
Mechanical solidarity.
What characterizes organic solidarity in modern industrial societies?
Individuals perform different roles but are bound together by the need to cooperate and rely on each other.
What is anomie?
A state where individuals feel disconnected due to a lack of shared values or norms, often arising from rapid social change.
What are social facts?
Values, norms, and institutions that exist outside of individual consciousness but still exert influence over individuals.
Who developed Functionalism into a more systematic theory in the 20th century?
Talcott Parsons.
What is value consensus?
A shared value system that helps maintain social order.
What is the organic analogy in Functionalism?
The comparison of society to a biological organism, where stability of one part depends on the stability of others.
What are the two main mechanisms for social integration according to Parsons?
- Socialisation
- Social Control
What is the role of socialisation in society?
It teaches individuals the norms and values of society, guiding their behavior.
What are positive and negative sanctions in social control?
Positive sanctions are rewards for compliance, while negative sanctions are punishments for deviance.
What are manifest functions?
Intended, observable, and explicit consequences of actions or social practices.
What are latent functions?
Unintended, hidden consequences that may not be immediately apparent.
What is dysfunction in the context of Merton’s contributions?
Negative effects that harm society or its parts.
What are functional alternatives according to Merton?
Different social arrangements that could perform the same functions as existing structures.
What is the AGIL schema?
Four basic needs that every social system must meet for stability: Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latency.
What does the adaptation need in the AGIL schema refer to?
Meeting members’ material needs, typically fulfilled by the economic sub-system.
What does goal attainment refer to in the AGIL schema?
Setting and pursuing goals, often managed by political systems.
What does integration refer to in the AGIL schema?
Coordinating different parts of society to work together toward common goals.
What does latency refer to in the AGIL schema?
Maintaining values and social order over time, often involving the kinship sub-system.
What is one major criticism of Functionalism by Merton?
It sometimes assumes that all parts of society are indispensable.
