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Functionalism (manifest + latent functions)
Functionalism (Durkheim, Merton, Parsons)
Manifest functions: «The functions of a type of social activity that are known to and intended by the individuals involved in the activity.»
Latent functions: «Functional consequences that are not intended or recognized by the members of a social system in which they occur.»
Example: The Hopi rain dance has a manifest function (rain) and a latent function (cohesion).
Dysfunctions: «features of social life that challenge the existing order.»
Functionalism: «social events can be best explained in terms of the functions they perform – that is, the contributions they make to the continuity of society. »
Main focus: How does social activity help reproduce social structures?
Functionalists believe that moral consensus (shared values) is very important in maintaining social order.
Symbolic interactionism (continued)
The process of self-consciousness develops through relationships with others, which give us a vision of how others see us.
All interpersonal relationships involve sharing symbols in Mead’s perspective.
«Symbolic interactionism directs our attention to the detail of interpersonal interaction and how that detail is used to make sense of what others say and do.»
Criticism: Too much emphasis on smaller scope social relationships.
The sociological debate
The sociological debate (continued)
Marx linked social transformations to the development of capitalism, an economic system based on efficient production of goods and services. Technical innovations and mutations were seen as playing a crucial role in attaining this goal of maximal efficiency.
The global spread of capitalism is seen as a way of expanding the pool of accessible consumers, raw materials and labor power.
A major criticism of Marx is his strong emphasis on economic factors which undermines the importance of other social factors (political, cultural…) guiding human activity.
Max Weber focused on the importance of religion as a social factor explaining the development of capitalism. He also emphasized the importance of science and bureaucracy (rationalization) in modern societies.
Rationalization: «the organization of social, economic and cultural life according to principles of efficiency, on the basis of technical knowledge. »
Symbolic interactionism (Mead + Weber)
Symbolic interactionism: «emphasizes the role of symbols and language as core elements of all human interaction».
In Mead’s perspective, language helped individuals to become conscious of their own individuality. Symbols are essential components of symbolic thought.
«symbolic thought frees us from being limited in our experience to what we actually see, hear or feel.»
Marxism (Lukacs, Luxemburg)
Marxism: «Body of thought deriving its main elements from Marx’s ideas.»
The Marxist perspective combines sociological analysis with revolutionary political ideals.
Power: «The ability of individuals or the members of a group to achieve aims or further the interests they hold».
Can involve the use of force and is often justified with the help of an ideology.
Ideology: «Shared ideas or beliefs that serve to justify the interests of dominant groups.»
Criticisms of functionalism
Loose ends
Forms of legitimacy (Weber)
Base and superstucture (Marx)
1) Too much emphasis on social order which overshadows social conflicts
2) Does not take into consideration social transformation mechanisms.
3) Teleology – «explains the existence of a social activity by its consequences and effects. »
4) Neglects meaning given to actions.
Marx believed that the base of society (economy) determined other symbolic structures in society.
Base: labourer, means of production and consumer
Superstructure: all other institutions as well as ideologies