Introduction to theoretical perspectives Functionalism

By the end of this lesson you will be able to...

1. Identify and define what functionalism is,

2. identify and define how functionalism has contributed to our understanding of society,

3. Apply the concepts of functionalism to contemporary society.

Reading Task pp. 20 (3 coulours)

Sociology

Structural Theory Action Theory

Consensus Conflict

Functionalism Marxism Feminism

Symbolic interactionism

(Interpretivism)

Theory can be said to be like looking at society through different lenses – each give it a different perspective or appearance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=v48kAslT-cY&feature=fvsr

Key terms Social systems,

Social action,

Consensus,

Conflict

Systems versus action

Functionalism

Society as a system

Social disorder

Functionalism and the Consensus Theory

What can you make of the title ? What do you think the two concepts might mean ?

Structure and Action

What shapes our behaviour ?

How do we control our own destiny or do social pressures determine our actions ?

Social systems

Some approaches in sociology emphasise the power of society over the individual,

These are called social systems or structuralist approaches, Based form this viewpoint the individual is seen as largely

controlled by society as seen in the drawing in the next slide.

STRUCTURAL THEORY

Social systems continued... The assumption is that we are what we are because of the

expectations and pressures of the social groups to which we belong,

Thus society is in us moulding our thoughts and directing our actions,

We are socialised in terms of the culture of society, our behaviour is shaped by the social structure.

Social Action Other approaches emphasise the ability of individuals to

direct their own actions,

Those approaches are called social action or interpretivist approaches,

From this viewpoint the individual actively creates his/her own social world by giving meanings to social situations, interpret the behaviour of others and then taking action on the basis of these meanings and interpretations.

Social action continued ....

Social actions theories do not deny the existence of norms and values, however they see them as flexible guidelines rather than inflexible directives.

WDYT

Think of the social groups with which you interact on a regular basis ? What are the rules or guidelines

which you hold which might differ from that of the general society ?

System versus action Although it is possible to differentiate between social systems

and social action approaches neither is quite extreme as depicted in the previous slides,

Systems approaches do not see people as totally controlled by society nor do action perspectives view people as totally free agents.

Consensus and Conflict

What do the key terms above

mean ?

Key terms Consensus: commonly agreed position, conclusion or set of

values and is normally used with reference either to group dynamics or to broad agreement in public opinion,

The label generally attached to the sociological writings of opponents to the dominance of structural functionalism.

WDYTIs society based on consensus or on conflict ?

You must justify your answer.

The consensus approach Social order and stability depend on cooperation between

individuals and groups who work together to the same end, Sociologist believe that society is based on consensus by

which they mean that broad agreement exist amongst people on shared norms and values,

Such consensus arises from the process of socialisation during which we learn the shared norms and values of our society,

Functionalist argue that social order is maintained over time because most people support and agree to abide by the rules.

The conflict approach

A second approach sees society as characterized by a conflict of interest between different groups,

Clashes occur because groups do not share common interest or goals,

Marxism and the clash between the bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Functionalism

Functionalist see society as a system with interconnected parts,

Early functionalist used the biological analogy comparing parts of society to parts of the human body

Based on this analogy both humans and societies have certain basic needs (functional prerequisites) that must be met if they are to survive

Functionalism

Social institutions exist to meet these basic needs such as the family with the job of socialising children into the norms and values of society,

Institutions are studied by identifying the ways in which they contribute to meeting needs.

An institution's contribution is seen on the basis of how it enables society to survive.

Functionalism Some sociologist accept that there may be aspects of society

which are dysfunctional but they generally pay little attention to them,

Functionalism has been accused of having a conservative ideology which tends to support preservation of the status quo since anything that persisting society is seen as serving a useful function.

Key sociologist Parsons,

Merton,

Durkheim

Discussion Task Activity - society is a system

Split up into small groups. Each group has been give one different social institution. We are going to

get rid of one institution.

1. In your group you need to come up with five convincing reasons you will not be shut down.(thinks about the function of you institution for society).

2. Once you have done this try and come up with a list of reasons why you think people will want to shut you down.)

Tell me three things...

you have learnt todayyou have done wellthe group has done wellyou would like to find out more aboutyou know now that you didn’t know 50 minutes ago

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