Functionalism
What are the aspects of society?
Socialisation
Individual welfare
Social order
Uniformity
Stable economy
Describing functionalism
*Structural theory
*Macro-theory - studies society as a whole
*Views society as having interrelated parts
*Every social institution has a purpose, and they are important for social
cohesion.
*Social institutions mold our behaviours and actions through control.
*Functionalist believe society needs social solidarity, value consensus and
collective conscience to ensure that people do not pull in different
directions.
Principles of Functionalism:
Institutions of Society:
, Institutions Function
Health care Aid
Economy Recycle funds
Education Provide education
Family & Circulate love and
relationships teachings
Law & Order Conduct
Religion Conduct
Politics Conduct
Mass media Influence and inform
Example of the failure of one institution may impact another?
1. Failure of Law & Order = Chaos and injustice -> Failure Employment =
Increase rate in criminal records
2. Failure of religion = Identity crisis -> Community =
Main components:
Economics, Political, Family & Culture
What is the Agency and social structure?
-> Agency: is the capacity of individuals to act independently and to
make their own free choices.
-> Structure: is the recurrent patterned arrangements which
influence or limit the choices and opportunities available.
Emile Durkheim
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Founding father
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Wrote ‘The division of labor’, which refuted the Marx theory on
industrialization