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Summary An introduction to functionalism
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The basics of functionalism, explaining what it is, organic analogy, meritocracy, and Durkheim (key thinker)
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Functionalism – anWhat is functionalism?
- A consensus perspective
- They see society (and its institutions) in a positive
light
- Often criticised for being ‘rose tinted’
The organic analogy:
- Society is a system made up of different parts that
depend on each other.
- Much like the organ system, institutions in society
are co-dependent (they rely on each other to
function). For example, the education system is
dependent on the economy – if the economy fails,
education facilities will decrease, and a smaller
amount of young people will gain an education.
The lungs are dependent on the mouth, to breathe
air into the lungs. If no air is breathed in, the lungs
can’t function.
Meritocracy:
- Everyone has an equal chance to succeed in life if
they try hard enough.
- “If I work hard at it, I’ll be where I wanna be”
- “I know I can be what I wanna be”
- “You can be anything you wanna be in the world, in
god we trust”
- “Smart boys turn to men and do whatever they
wish”
- “Nothing comes easy it takes much practice”
Functionalists see celebrations, ceremonies and rituals
as important for creating social unity or social
solidarity.
Emile Durkheim
- Founding father of functionalism
- Value consensus (shared set of values)
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