Theories 5 - Functionalism
1. What type of the-
ory is functional-
ism?
A structural consensus theory
2. Why is function-
alism a struc-
tural, consensus
theory?
It focuses on the needs of the social system as a whole
and how these needs shape all of the main features of
society. It is also a consensus theory because it sees
society as based on an agreement between its members
about values, goals and rules.
3. Explain the or-
ganic analogy.
This is the idea that society operates like a living organ-
ism (the body) with interdependent structures of society
such as medicine, families, education and religion (the
heart and lungs etc). Every society is made up of four
sub-systems: economic, political, family, and cultural sys-
tems such as education, religion and the media. Each
sub-system functions to maintain a healthy society.
4. What does Par-
sons mean by
value consen-
sus?
• Parsons argues that social order is achieved through the
existence of a shared culture or a central value system
• A culture is a set of norms, values, beliefs and goals
shared by members of society. It provides a framework that
allows individuals to co-operate by laying down rules about
how they should behave and what others may expect of
them, defining the goals they should pursue
• Social order is only possible so long as members of
society agree on these norms and values
5. Why is socialisa-
tion important?
It is the way in which individuals are taught and learn
the rules of social life and the norms and values of the
group they live in. Socialization ensures that culture is
transmitted from one generation to the next and societies
do not fall into chaos and disorder.
6. Why is social
control impor-
tant?
promotes order and stability
7.
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