Essay
Evaluate the contribution of functional theories for society today
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This essay received 20/20 and is the only theoretical perspective yet to be assessed in an AQA sociology paper 3.
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Applying material from item A, and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions offunctionalist theory to understanding society today.
Functionalism is a consensus theory. It sees society as based on a set of shared values and this
value consensus is the basis for social order. It is also a systems theory. It emphasises the way
the social system shapes social institutions and the behaviour patterns of individuals. Society is
seen as a system with its own separate existence and needs. However, some critics claim that
functionalism understates the extent of conflict in society. Others argue that functionalism is
too deterministic, portraying individuals as simply puppets of the system.
As Item A identifies functionalism is a consensus theory that aims to explain the importance of
society to the individual, and how society at large supports individuals throughout their life.
This is best shown through value consensus and the organic society. However, conflict theorists
as well as action theorists see functionalist theory as a conservative ideology, which Marxists in
particularly believe ignores societal conflict. Action theorists see functionalism as undermining
free will. Through exploring these ideas, this essay will show that whilst functionalism is a well-
structured theory, that the consensus standpoint is weak.
Parson's theory of value consensus is shown in Item A. This is the idea that individuals in society
will unite around a shared set of values, cultures, and norms and that this allows individuals to
cooperate in society. This theory is strong as it can be seen in all types of societies, whether
hunter-gather or a modern society. Milanowski’s study of the Trobriand Islanders is an example
of individuals having a value consensus, where the islanders would unite around the ritual of
‘canoe magic’ in times of uncertainty. However, this theory has been criticised by post-modern
or reflexive modernists theorists, as it is not applicable to the new era we are in now. These
societies are characterised by individual's newfound ‘reflexive’ nature, as we have abandoned
traditions and we as humans must now modify our actions in line with the new situations, we
have found ourselves in.
Conflict theories such as Marxism criticise functionalism for understating the extent of conflict
in society, which shows the theory as not being representative of society. Marxism as a theory
is based on class conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat and see all of society as
enabling the structure of capitalism to exist. They view functionalism as an ideological theory,
which is used as a conservative force to both legitimise and justify class inequality. This is seen
through the contrast in the functional and Marxist view on education; while functionalists see
the education system as a system that enforces universalistic standards upon all individuals
which is inherently meritocratic. Marxists view it is legitimising class inequality through failing
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