Sociology Lecture: Social Darwinism and Functionalist Perspective (Parsons/Durkheim)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on Social Darwinism, Parsons, Durkheim, and the functionalist perspective.

Social Darwinism

A theory that applies Darwinian natural selection to human society, suggesting wealth and success reflect the fittest; used to justify inequality and criticized as racist; later rejected as a valid explanation for social inequality.

Herbert Spencer

19th-century philosopher who popularized Social Darwinism, arguing that societies evolve from simple to complex and become more differentiated over time.

Carrying capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely; when exceeded, resource scarcity leads to die-offs (e.g., deer starvation).

Social inequality

Unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges in society; often discussed in the context of theories like Social Darwinism.

Functional perspective (functionalism)

Sociological theory viewing society as a system of interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability and functionality.

Functional imperatives

Parsons’ four essential tasks for a functioning society: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency (pattern maintenance).

Adaptation

The process by which a society or its members adjust to the environment and obtain necessary resources.

Goal attainment

The ability to set collective goals and marshal resources to achieve them.

Integration

Coordination and regulation of the social system through rules and norms to maintain social order.

Latency (pattern maintenance)

Maintaining and transmitting cultural patterns and values across generations to sustain the social system.

Socialization

Lifelong process of learning norms, values, and behaviors from others; a powerful force shaping beliefs and conduct.

Talcott Parsons

American sociologist who developed and promoted the functionalist perspective, emphasizing socialization and control.

Durkheim

French sociologist foundational to structural functionalism; emphasized social facts, division of labor, and social cohesion.

Social organism

Idea that society functions like a living organism with interdependent parts contributing to overall stability.