Consensus Structuralism

?
Structural Theorists see society as a system of parts
Analyse society as a whole system made up of different parts that mesh together. Can be conflict or consensus based. Main consensus theory functionalism - Durkheim, social solidarity
1 of 6
Functionalists say society's needs met by 4 major subsystems
Instrumental (material) needs -> the political and economic subsystems. Expressive (emotional) needs -> the kinship and cultural subsystems
2 of 6
Functionalism tries to explain everything
Comte, Durkheim, Parsons - macro-theory. Durkheim study of suicide (1897) - argues social structure and problems in modern world cause people to commit suicide - part of wider social picture
3 of 6
Functionalism criticised for ignoring conflict and maintaining inequality
Focus on harmony and cooperation. Merton (1986) - functionalist, argues some things functional for one but not another e.g. poverty. Doesn't allow for free will (Wrong, 1961) - action theorist. Postmodernists, society too diverse for F to be relevant
4 of 6
The New Right all type of consensus structuralism
Family one of most important social institutions - socialises children, reinforces traditional roles. Favour nuclear family. Believe society breaking down - decline in moral standards e.g. sexual freedom
5 of 6
The New Right has been criticised by Feminists
Want women to focus on marriage and children - harmful to women's rights. Abbot and Wallace (1990) - NR theorists wrong to prioritise marriage so much as some women may feel trapped etc. Attempting to justify patriarchal society
6 of 6

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Instrumental (material) needs -> the political and economic subsystems. Expressive (emotional) needs -> the kinship and cultural subsystems

Back

Functionalists say society's needs met by 4 major subsystems

Card 3

Front

Comte, Durkheim, Parsons - macro-theory. Durkheim study of suicide (1897) - argues social structure and problems in modern world cause people to commit suicide - part of wider social picture

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Focus on harmony and cooperation. Merton (1986) - functionalist, argues some things functional for one but not another e.g. poverty. Doesn't allow for free will (Wrong, 1961) - action theorist. Postmodernists, society too diverse for F to be relevant

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Family one of most important social institutions - socialises children, reinforces traditional roles. Favour nuclear family. Believe society breaking down - decline in moral standards e.g. sexual freedom

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Sociology resources:

See all Sociology resources »See all Sociological theory resources »