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Functionalism Theory

Done By: Cindy Hill & Jasmine Kaur

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Is THIS THEORY prescriptive OR descriptive

Limitations

Due to the fact that there was a consensus taken, it can be drawn that the theory was descriptive. There were no biases applied in the study of this theory to show how a family and society in general should/ is suppose to function. The details in this theory were solely based upon studies done that show how it is that most happy successful/ families come about being the way that they are... THROUGH WORKING TOGETHER.

  • Puts males and females into stereotyped roles, regardless of individual differences.
  • Families from different social classes, situations were completely ignored.
  • Interactions within the family are also ignored
  • Viewed change as negative and disruptive.
  • Though the term ‘functionalism’ is used to designate a variety of positions in a variety of other disciplines, like psychology, and sociology, this entry focuses exclusively on functionalism as a philosophical thesis about the nature of mental states.

Discipline Used in Functionalism

  • Functionalism uses discipline by setting rules in society.
  • For an example, police officers help reinforce those rules and set consequences if we disobey.

Peoples roles and relationship in Society

  • The different parts of society contribute positively to the operation or functioning of the system as a whole.

  • Every society has a underlying structure in order for the society to survive; certain functions must be done.

  • The most prevalent or the most common behaviour is considered the norm, while behaviours that rarely occur are aginst or below the norm.

  • Organizations in society are based on a consensus about what is "functional".

Cont. Institutions

Education as an institution:

Education brings together many people. These people learn to get along in their schools and by getting along 90% of the time they end up having to work together to help each other achieve their goals. Education allows people to train for their future roles in society.

Institutions of Functionalism

Institution:

A well-established and structured pattern of behavior or of relationship that is accepted as a fundamental part of culture, as marriage. Ex. The institution of the family.

Interdependence:

the quality or condition of being interdependent, or mutually reliant on each other

Politics and law as institutions:

The law is all about authority, it commands respect; this relates to the theory because majority of people believe it to be good and beneficial for the safety of people because it helps to gain/ achieve collective goals. Politics is important because it shows a system of order, there is always a political system established anywhere in the world that you go.

Family as an institution:

Family is the primary part of socialization; it helps to shape children from young ages into men and women who would be beneficial to society. They are the building blocks for the way that our future gets mapped out. Families work together to provide the emotional stability of the individuals within that unit; families function by working together.

Key Words

Key Theorists

Consensus- Values:

Value consensus ensures that people have shared: - Goals, Roles and Norms.

Equlibrium:

Equal balance between any powers or influences

What is Functionalism?

Emile Durkheim

  • One of the original and traditional sociologist.
  • Dealt mostly with organic solidarity (a type of functionalism.

Talocott Parsons

  • He is a sociologist/functionalist.
  • Suggested the functionalism theory.

Herbert Spencer

  • He was well known for contributing to the functionalism theory.
  • He believed that changes in structures can not occur without changes in functions.

It is the oldest theory

It states that, "society is an organism, a system of parts, all of which serve a function together for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of society.

Structures/ Institutions function in ways that benefit society and that makes the social formation stable.

Video with ex. of functionalism

Theoretical Perspectives: Functionalism

By: Cindy, Gurpreet and Jasmine

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