Functionalism

Question 1

Parsons (1942)

Answer 1

saw youth as an important transitional stage during a potentially stressful time. They must leave the security of the family and become independent in their job, marriages and money management.

Question 2

Talcot Parsons (1962)

Answer 2

argued ‘youth’ as a social category which emerged due to changes in the family associated with the development of capitalism. Pre capitalist - youth was a rite of passage. Post capitalist - divide in role of the family and workplace. The role of the workplace became a place where youth would learn skills not taught by the family.

Question 3

Eisenstadt (1956)

Answer 3

saw youth culture as a way of bringing young people into society. Provides a sense of belonging with shared norms and values during this isolated stage. It allows youth to ‘let off steam’ and tension as its a period of rebellion full of ‘high spirits’ and ‘hormones’

Question 4

Abrams (1959)

Answer 4

youth culture were a distinct group with increasing job opportunities and therefore spending power and so targeted businesses and the media. Abrams believed that youth culture was created by the media.