Functionalism today

Created by: Alicia_dore
Created on: 02-10-20 20:47

What are the 5 points?

1- functionalists-human body, institutions play separate role.
2- functionalists-social solidarity.
3- some functionalists take a more critical view of their own theory.
4-functionalists- institutions are interdependent.
5- nuclear family as dominant.

1 of 6

Paragraph 1-

P- functionalists choose to relate their theory to the human body, institutions play separate roles.
E- Herbert Spencer- organic analogy.
H- Fletcher- loss of functions e.g. family don't provide education.

2 of 6

Paragraph 2-

P- functionalists believe in social solidarity.
E- Emile Durkheim- we are taught same norms and values causing social solidarity.
H- the division of labour in today's society weakens social solidarity. different classes.

3 of 6

Paragraph 3-

P- institutions provide secondary functions
E- Merton, some institutions have intended functions and latent functions which are also beneficial
H- some of the latent functions can be dysfunctional (laws benefitting women but not)

4 of 6

Paragraph 4-

P- functionalists see society as interdependent.
E- education system provides secondary socialisation and therefore wider norms and values allowing children to become prepared for the world of work.
H- social action- F exaggerate power of I.

5 of 6

Paragraph 5-

P – the family is nuclear in todays society
E – Parsons- explanation functional fit. The family became nuclear to become both geographically and socially mobile.
H – NF is no longer the main family type in society today. We live in a postmodern society.

6 of 6

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Paragraph 1-

Back

Card 3

Front

Paragraph 2-

Back

Card 4

Front

Paragraph 3-

Back

Card 5

Front

Paragraph 4-

Back

View more cards

Get Revising

Functionalism today