Functionalism

Value consensus

Durkheim - that society is united under value consensus (an agreement to the values of society which then means they have shared cultural values, goals and norms). Culture, therefore, is the framework acting like cement that bonds individuals together in the form of a society and allows people to successfully interact with each other. For Durkheim, ‘society has to present in the individual’ – society’s morality, norms and values must be part of the individual’s consciousness. The value consensus maintains a peaceful, harmonious society without much conflict between people and groups.

Social Order

Durkheim - Notes that all societies are characterised by ‘social order’ rather than a society of chaos or anarchy. This means that individual’s behaviour is generally ordered, predictable and patterned.

2 types of conformity What? And Who?

Parsons - socialization and social control

organic analogy

Durkheim- Believed that society is built up and functions like a human body, being made up of interrelated parts which all work together to ensure that they system (body) works effectively.

Functionalism - Role of the Family

Parsons - Nuclear family is the most effective structure to socialise their children most effectively. The family is seen as a ‘Personality Factory’ whereby a child is seen as a blank slate and the function of the parents is to train and mould the ‘passive’ child into the image of society. This is assumed to be the mother’s role as she has the nurturing role. Believes that identification with adults of the same sex is crucial because children want to become like them, so they can fill similar social roles when they grow up. This means that a son will learn the ‘instrumental role’ (breadwinner) from his father and a daughter will learn the expressive role (carer, nurturer) from her mother. Parsons notes that as parents know their child, they can adapt their treatment of them individually. Therefore, children are taught ‘particularistic values’ which are specific to their child’s personality. However, these values will change when they interact with other institutions, such as education during secondary socialisation where they will be judged on ‘universalistic values’ – values which are judged in a more objective way, such as exam results.

Warm Bath Theory

Functionalism - Role of Education - transmits shared values

Durkheim - Argues that the education system transmits shared cultural values which therefore creates conformity and consensus. Believes that subjects, such as History and Religious Education, connect the individual to society, past and present. This is through a sense of pride of historic achievements which then reinforces a sense of belonging and strengths social solidarity

Functionalism - The role of education - bridge

Argues that education acts as a ‘bridge’ between the home and society. He called education a ‘focal socializing agency’. Education helps children to manage the transition between ‘particularistic values’ taught in the family and the ‘universalistic values’ where a child will no longer be judged according to who they are, but now impartially according to general social rules/standards (e.g exam grades and laws)