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Theory: Functionalism - Coggle Diagram
Theory: Functionalism
Evaluations
Merton (1957)
. Later functionalists disagree with some of Parson's assumptions
. Merton (1957) argues that we cannot assume that society is well-integrated and always runs smoothly.
1. Indispensability - parsons argues everything in society is indispensable. Merton says it is just an untested assumption and points to the possibility of 'functional alternatives.
For example, Parsons says primary socialisation is done best by the nuclear family but Merton argues that one parent or comunes can do it better or just as well.
2. Functional Unity - Parsons assumes that all parts of society are tightly integrated as a single whole and each part is functional for the rest, as well as one change having a knock-on effect. Merton argues that modern society is complex and has many parts, some only being distantly 'related'. Instead of functional unity, some parts have 'functional autonomy' (independence).
3. Universal Functionalism - Parsons assumes that everything in society performs a positive function for society as a whole. Yet some things may be functional for some groups but dysfunctional for others. The idea of dysfunction introduces a neglected note, by suggesting that there may be conflicts of interest and some groups may have the power to keep arrangements in place that benefit them at the expense of others.Merton wanted to develop functionalism to focus on institutional and human functions. he did this by redefining two of Parsons's key concepts:
- Manifest Functions: the things people expect from their institutions or actions.
E.g. by conducting a rain dance we expect it will rain.
- Latent Functions: unrecognised or unintended consequences of an institution to action.
E.g. conducting a rain dance does not produce rain but does build social solidarity and value consensus among individuals.
These can be both functional and dysfunctional.
- Manifest Dysfunction: things that will knowingly cause disorder e.g. music festivals/ football
- Latent dysfunctions: unintended disruption e.g. festival drug taking/ footall violence
Logical Criticisms
. Unscientific
- According to Popper functionalism is not falsifiable
Functions are both functional (positive) and
dysfunctional (negative).
Cannot be proven wrong.
Marxist
. Ignores conflict within society
- The organic analogy assumes soicety is in harmony, BUT society is in conflict between the proletariat and bourgeoise.
. Funtionalism aims to keep things as they're to keep the bourgeise in power.
. Functionalism is capitalist ideology
- It tells you society has a neutral order and is harmoneous to hide the true conflict in society. This allows the bourgeoise to maintain their dominance.
Interactionist
Wong (1961)
. Functionalism is determinist
- Assumes individuals have no free will and will just slot into the system.
. For functionalism, society is more important than the individual.
- Individuals should be free to construct their own lives.
Postmodernist
. Functionalists assume society has order and structure, but it doesn't.
- society and people are chaotic and unpredictable
. Functionalism is a meta-narrative
- it presents a story it claims to be true to create order.
- But society is fragmented and disordered
Parsons
Organic Analogy
- Society is based on a consensus
- Value consensus - we all share the same goals, norms and values
- Parsons argues society is like a human body
- System - a self-regulating system of inter-connected parts
- System needs - each organ has needs e.g. nutrition
- Functions - each organ contributes to the running and the operation of the whol
Functional Prerequisites
- Functionalists also try to explain why these institutions exit
- Parsons argues there are 4 prerequisites that every society has to satisfy
- Goal attainment (political function) - societies must set goals and decisions on power and economics.
- Adaptation (economic function) - societies must provide an adequate standard of living for citizens.
- Integration (social harmony) - institutions must create a value consensus between people.
- Latency - hidden function(i.e. teaches knowledge and skills but also socialises)
- Pattern Maintenance - young are socialised in a set of values.
- Tension Management - institutions which prevent disorder.
Social Change
Parsons - there are two types of society that exist in the world.
- Traditional - simple with religion and family as the main institutions.
- Modern - complex society with multiple institutions addressing specific functions e.g. schools, hospitals
Traditional
. Your status is ascribed at birth.
. Diffuse relationships - simple to satisfy general needs e.g. mother/ child
. Particularism - certain groups get special treatment.
. Affectivity - people want to solve their needs immediately.
. Collective orientation - the needs of the village are more important than you.
Modern
. Status achieved through hard work. contractual relationships e.g. employee/ employer
. Universalism - everybody is treated the same.
. Affective neutrality - people postpone personal needs.
. Individualism - people put their own needs before others.
It's apparent that societies change over time; like how feudalism is a different society from capitalism or how industrialism produces a different society from tech societies.
For functionalists societies change naturally and gradually over time, just like the human body, societies change, mutate and evolve. A change in one function of the human body results in change across the whole body.
Social Integration
. In order for the social system to be stable, societies must ensure people conform to a value consensus.
. The value consensus is maintained in 2 ways:
- Socialisation - people internalise norms and values to support the system.
- Social Control - people who follow the value system are rewarded: working hard in school = getting a good job.
people who do not follow the value system are punished - if they do not do not work hard in school you will be unemployed and stigmatised.