Theory

functionalism

systematic theory of society

macro structural theory and views society based on consensus and agreement between members

modernist

Parsons- Organic analogy (3 components)

system- organisms such as human body and society are self regulated systems of interdependency

system needs- social systems have basic needs that must be met if it is to survive e.g. socialisation

functions- function of any part is the contribution it makes to society

2 examples of how society provides consensus

education system- instils social solidarity

renewed through CJS and crime

integration- value consensus (2 mechanisms)

socialisation- social system teaches individuals what is required to be done through socialisation- individuals internalise N&V

social control- positive sanctions for conforming, negatives to punish deviance

Parsons AGIL

adaptation (instrumental)- meets material needs

goal attainment (I)- society needs to set goals and allocate resources to achieve them

integration (expressive)- must be integrated to achieve shared goals

latency (E)- processes which maintain society over time

structural differentiation

kinship systems lose functions- gradual process in which socialised institutions develop and meet a different need

dynamic equilibrium

as change occurs in one part of system this causes compensatory change in the other parts

Durkheim’s ideas reflected in Parsons social system

collective conscience- new institutions provide the glue

division of labour- too much freedom they suffer uncertainty

society exists separately to its members as a system of ‘social facts’- beliefs as moral codes

Merton internal critique- Indispensability

Merton argues that this is is just an untested assumption pointing to ‘functional alternatives’

Merton internal critique- functional unity

complex modern societies have many parts and some may only be distantly related

Merton internal critique- universal functionalism

some may be functional for some groups and not for others

logical external functionalism critiques

unscientific

things are explained in term of their effect but not their cause

explains one thing in terms of something that can only be its effect

conflict criticism- external functionalism critique

unable to explain conflict and change

see functionalism as a conservative ideology legitimising status quo

action perspective- critique of functionalism

Wrong (1961)- over socialised, deterministic view of individual

Action- sees individual as shaping society, functionalism as opposite

functionalism reifies society- treats it as a distinct thing above and over individuals

postmodernist critique of functionalism

assumes that society is stable and orderly, cannot account for diversity and instability

metanarrative