Functionist Keywords Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is consensus theory?
Has an emphasis on social order. Resonates with the new right and functionalists
What is organic analogy?
Compares different parts of society to organs of a living organism.
(e.g. heart is family)
Primary socialisation
At home when children learn about their culture, values, and norms. Usually from family/ primary caregivers.
Secondary socialisation
The process by which an individual learns further values and norms that sets them up for outer society, school and work.
What is value consensus?
The need for society to have a common set of beliefs and principles.
What is social solidarity?
The idea of a well-integrated society, where all members have been appropriately socialised. Without this chaos breaks out.
What is collective consciousness?
The shared set of values and beliefs that a community has, ensuring society functions properly.
For functionalists : achieved through successful socialisation through family, education, and other institutions.
What is an anomie?
A condition of instability resulting from a breakdown of standards/ values.
What is particularistic values?
Social norms/ values relevant only to a specific to a particular group/ society.
Family is particularistic, the child’s status is ascribed, treated as an individual.
What are universalistic values?
Everyone is judged by the same standards.
School/ society : universalistic, individuals are judged by the same standards, status is achieved.
What is Meritocracy?
Your status in society is based on your talents and/or achievements
What is ascribed status?
A position in society a person has over circumstances they have no control over.
(e.g. in the family = a daughter, a son, a sibling)
What is an achieved status?
A social identity a person has based on their own achievements/ experiences/ have chosen
