Sociology: Functionalism key terms (Theory)

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Functionalism
It is a macro, structural, consensus theory
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Social Facts
The social laws within a society. They are invisible to us, completely external to us and they constrain us.
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Functional Prerequisite
A basic need. The fulfillment of which is essential for survival
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Collective conscience
Refers to the shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that allow for communication and cooperation between society's members.
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Value Consensus
The agreement between society's members on the shared norms and values.
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Mechanical solidarity
Found in traditional societies. All members are alike so the collective conscience is strong
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Organic solidarity
Found in modern societies and is a result of a weaker collective conscience. Social order is maintained through a specialised division of labour and interdependance
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Instrumental acceptance
Dissatisfied with your actions but you comply because it is in your best interests to do so in the long run. Hobbes ideas of human nature revolved around this concept.
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Normative agreement
Your behaviours and actions are those that you genuinely wish. Parsons and Durkheim accepting this view of human nature in explaining social order.
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Dynamic equilibrium
The idea that balance is restored through change. If something disrupts the balance a change will be brought about to restore the equilbrium
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Social Differentiation
Where all the institutions within society become increasingly specialised to perform a particular function. E.G. Churches used to be responsible for religion, education and performed more socialisation roles than they do now.
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Functional alternative
One of Merton's internal criticisms of Parsons, who argued that no institution within society could be replaced. Merton argued that other options may perform the role just as sufficiently.
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Teleology
The idea that things exist because of their effect or function. Ties in with a logical criticism of functionalism.
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Reification
Refers to the idea that society is treated as a living thinking organism that can affect change by itself.
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Specialised division of labour
Ensures that we contribute to a chain of events. No-one is self sufficient as we are relying on the work of everyone else around us.
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Dominant ideology/culture
The mainstream norms and values that are held by society. These are set as the standard.
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Social control
Methods such as reward and punishment ensure that individuals behave in a way that society requires. This was to maintain social order.
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Socialisation
Instils the shared culture of society into its members. This means that they behave in a way that society requires.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

The social laws within a society. They are invisible to us, completely external to us and they constrain us.

Back

Social Facts

Card 3

Front

A basic need. The fulfillment of which is essential for survival

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Refers to the shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that allow for communication and cooperation between society's members.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The agreement between society's members on the shared norms and values.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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