Functionalism

social order 

how a society maintains stability and structure, allowing it to function harmoniously rather than collapse into chaos

social facts

external societal forces that enforce social order eg laws, moral principles

homo duplex

one side of humans is selfish and instinctive and the other is able to adhere to a moral code.

collective conscience 

the shared set of beliefs, values and moral attitudes that operate as a unifying force within a society

social solidarity 

the shared sense of unity, connection and interdependence that binds people in society.

homogeneity 

a shared identity and culture, to ensure the effective functioning of a society.

Value consensus 

an agreement in a society on what the norms and values should be.

social equilibrium

a society that’s balanced and stable. 

functional prerequisites

the basic needs (food, shelter, water) an individual requires to live above the poverty line OR the factors that allow a society to maintain social order

structural differentiation 

the process in which new distinct and specialised institutions emerge that perform differentiated functions such as healthcare, education and new systems of mass production.

achieved status 

a social position that a person achieves through their own efforts, actions and choices rather than being assigned at birth.

ascribed status 

a social position that a person is assigned at birth or involuntarily assume later in life based on inherent characteristics or factors beyond their control.

meritocracy 

social system or ideology where success, achievement and rewards are based on individual talent, effort, and achievement, rather than on inherited social status, wealth or connections.

functional unity 

the concept that all parts of a society (institutions, beliefs etc) work together harmoniously to maintain societal order and continuity

functional autonomy 

the idea that motivations and actions can become independent from their original sources as a person matures

perverse incentive 

when well-intended policies or actions lead to unintended, often negative outcomes that worsen the problem, exacerbate it or make new ones.

Mechanical solidarity 

social cohesion in traditional, small-scale societies where individuals are bonded by shared beliefs, values and experiences leading to a stronger collective conscience.

Organic solidarity 

social cohesion in complex, modern societies based on a high degree of the division of labour and mutual interdependence of specialised roles.