Functionalists and youth culture

What is value consensus in functionalism?

A shared agreement about society’s norms and values.

What do functionalists mean by social solidarity?

A sense of unity and belonging that holds society together.

What is Durkheim’s organic analogy?

The idea that society functions like a living organism with interdependent parts.

Why do functionalists believe youth culture exists?

Because anything that exists in society must perform a useful function.

How do functionalists view youth culture?

As one general youth culture rather than separate subcultures.

What does it mean that youth culture acts as a “stepping stone”?

It helps young people move from the family into wider adult society.

Why do functionalists describe youth culture as a rite of passage?

Because it marks the transition between childhood and adulthood.

What is anomie according to Durkheim?

A state of normlessness where individuals lack clear values and guidance.

Why is integration important during youth?

Without integration, young people may experience anomie and isolation.

Why is there no clear end to youth in Western societies?

Childhood has been extended, so adulthood begins gradually without formal rituals.

What is the purpose of rites of passage?

To formally transition an individual into a new social status, such as adulthood.

Why do functionalists think youth culture replaces rites of passage?

Because Western societies lack clear coming-of-age rituals.

What did Parsons argue about youth culture?

That it acts as a bridge from childhood dependency to adult independence.

Why must young people break away from parents according to Parsons?

To develop independence needed for adult roles such as work and marriage.

How does youth culture develop independence according to Parsons?

Through part-time work, peer activities, and spending time away from family.

What did Eisenstadt say causes stress in youth?

The transition from childhood to adulthood creates tension and anxiety.

Why does Eisenstadt think youth culture is important?

It provides belonging and shared norms that reduce stress and prevent anomie.

What is meant by youth culture acting as a “safety valve”?

It allows young people to release tension and rebel harmlessly in acceptable ways.

Why do adults tolerate youthful rebellion according to Eisenstadt?

Because it is seen as normal and helps reinforce social boundaries.

What did Abrams argue created youth culture?

The media in the 1950s through music, fashion and consumerism.

Why does Abrams think youth culture benefits society?

Youth spending boosts the economy and encourages social cohesion.

What is status frustration according to Albert Cohen?

Working-class boys feel anger because they cannot achieve status in a middle-class education system.

How do boys respond to status frustration according to Cohen?

They form delinquent subcultures that reward deviant behaviour.

What is an alternative status hierarchy?

A system where status is gained through deviance rather than academic success.

Why are Teddy Boys used as an example of Cohen’s theory?

They gained status through rebellion, style and toughness rather than school achievement.

Why do skinheads support Cohen’s ideas?

Their subculture emphasised aggression, masculinity and working-class identity.

What is a key criticism of functionalism?

It ignores class, gender and ethnic differences within youth cultures.

Why is functionalist research considered ethnocentric?

It was based mostly on white, middle-class American males.

What do feminists criticise functionalists for?

Ignoring girls’ experiences within youth culture.

How do Marxists differ from functionalists in studying youth culture?

They focus on spectacular subcultures and how these respond to wider class conflict.

What do postmodernists argue about modern youth groups?

That young people form neo-tribes; fluid, mixed-style groups rather than fixed subcultures.