Parsons

Parsons views on society

He believed that societies had certain functional prerequisites. He also believed that the societies needs must come before the needs of the individuals

Functional prerequisites

These ae things that societies need in order to survive

Parsons view on education

He believed that education is the bridge between families and society’s as it allows students to move from the ascribed status and particularistic values of the home to the meritocratic and universalistic values of wider society

Parsons functional prerequisites

GAIL

Goal attainment

Adaptations

Integration

Latency

Goal attainment

• political function decides what goals society as a whole should aim to achieve

• Every society must develop ways of making decisions

• Performed by political system such as the parliament

Adaptations

• economic function that adapts to the environment and providing the basic material necessities for continued human existence and sufficient resource to achieve valued social goals

• Performed by the economy, organisations such as factories, financial institutions and shops concerned with economic production

Integration

• social harmony which achieves social cession through socialisation nd social control limiting potential conflict

• Coordination all parts of the system to achieve shared goals and people having a sense of belonging

• Performed by cultural and community organisations

Latency

• individuals beliefs and values

• Socialise individuals into shared values so hat they continue to support social goals

• Minimising social tensions and interpersonal conflict which might prevent individuals and society working efficiently

• Performed by family and kingship, family is a key agency of socialisation and social control