Functionalist Perspective On Society

Question 1

Talcott Parsons

Answer 1

System = inter-dependent parts which function for the greater good of the whole
System needs= organisms have needs that must be met
Functions = each part of the organism has developed in order to function for the greater good of the organism

Question 2

Parsons and social change

Answer 2

Societies are based of pattern variables however they evolve into a modern society with more efficient institutions e.g schools, colleges and universities

Question 3

Merton’s internal critique of functionalism

Answer 3

Parsons assumes that everything in society is functionally indispensable and that all parts of society are tightly integrated into a single whole and assumes that change in one part will have a ‘knock on’ effect. However in a modern society many parts have functional autonomy from others

Question 4

Social action perspective - Dennis wrong (1961)

Answer 4

Criticise functionalists deterministic view of the individual. They describe individuals having no free will or choice as mere puppets

Question 5

Unscientific

Answer 5

A theory is only unscientific if in principle it is falsifiable by testing however functionalists see deviance as both functional and dysfunctional which means it cannot be disproved and is unscientific

Question 6

Conflict theorists

Answer 6

Inability to explain conflict and change which arises partly out of the organic analogy and Marxists argue that society is not harmonious as. Whole and instead it is based on exploitation and divided into classes