Functionalism

Very good answers from everyoneRead through your handout example

answers of the best

SOCIOLOGY INTERVENTION:

Thursdays 4.15 – 5.15 F1

Miss a lessonMiss a

homework

Please see me at the end of the lesson;

Amal, Ahmed, Yoonis, Nerissa,

Ainsworth, Roshelle, Jemima

£1 for folder

Today’s lesson objective

• Understand the functionalist view of Society

Explain why functionalism is seen as a structural theory?Explain why functionalism is seen as a consensus theory?Why do functionalist argue that society is like a human body?What would happen if social institutions didn’t function properly?

INTRODUCING SOCIAL THEORY –

Functionalism

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.

Functionalism – STRUCTURAL THEORY

• Emphasise the power of society over the individual.

• Believe the individual is largely controlled by society.

• Think that society is in us, moulding our thoughts and directing our actions.

• Argue that we are socialised in terms of the culture of society,

• Say that our behaviour is shaped by the social structure, - we are kept in line by mechanisms of social control, - we learn roles, norms and values and act accordingly.

STRUCTURAL THEORY

Functionalism – Consensus theory

• Agreement (also know as CONSENSUS) on what is right and wrong, is the basis of social life.

• Without CONSENSUS, society would collapse into chaos where no one would be able to agree on how people should conduct themselves.

• CONSENSUS and having shared values enables us to co-operate with each other and this provides unity.

• Having CONSENSUS provides harmony.

FUNCTIONALISM

•Society is a social system based on VALUE CONSENSUS (shared values).

•Society has basic needs that must be met to survive.

•The need for social order & harmony is a big one.

•For that to happen we need the VALUE CONSENSUS (shared values).

•To get that into our heads, we need to be SOCIALISED into that culture’s particular norms and values.

Values

Norms

e.g. monogamy.

e.g. marriage, making a fuss of cheaters.

Key FUNCTIONALIST Comte thought you could understand how society FUNCTIONS by comparing it

with the FUNCTIONNING of the human body.

Comte thought there were similarities between how all the organs in the body had specific individual FUNCTIONS but worked together to maintain health and life.

What are the FUNCTIONS of the following organs?The brain?

The olfactory senses?

The spine?

The lungs?

The intestines?

What might these organs represent in

British society?

Family

Economy

Legal systemEducation

Health system

Religion

The FUNCTIONALIST idea is that if all the systems

(organs) in society are

FUNCTIONNING in harmony it will remain healthy.

Family

Economy

Legal systemEducation

Health system

Religion

But if one or other of these

vital institutions starts to

malfunction, then society becomes dysfunctional.

What do you think is a consequence for society, on the failure of these institutions – why do we need them and what are we missing when they aren’t working properly?

If you have a vitamin deficiency your body cant function properly. For instance, not having enough vitamin C makes your

gums bleed and your skin start to disintegrate.

Key terms snake

Functionalism

• Use your notes to answer the questions on your handout to consolidate your learning.

Explain why functionalism is seen as a structural theory?Explain why functionalism is seen as a consensus theory?Why do functionalist argue that society is like a human body?What would happen if social institutions didn’t function properly?

Functionalism mind map

• Create your own mind map on functionalism on the blue paper

• (different colour for each theory)

Mastery learning test

• This Wednesday!!• You must all get 100% or you will be referred to

intervention on Thursday!!• 15 questionsKey tips –• Resocialisation- when we learn the norms and

values of a new culture ferral children eg Genie.• 15)Decline in religion – Secularisation, increase in

our exposure to Mass media.

Functionalism Questions

• On your post it write at least 1 question relating to functionalism.

Functionalism - Lesson 2

Be able to outline the functionalist theory of society

Name two functionalist sociologists and there main ideas

Explain the criticisms of functionalism

Functionalism – Gap fill starter

• Complete the gap fill to give you a summary of functionalism

• Challenge yourself - fold the words so you cant see them!

Functionalism - Lesson 2

Be able to outline the functionalist theory of society

Name two functionalist sociologists and there main ideas

Explain the criticisms of functionalism

Functionalist Sociologists

• Yesterday we looked at ComteWho compared society to a human body – this is

known as the organic analogy.

Write this in your sociology dictionary-Organic analogy – the comparison between

society and the human body made by functionalists

Talcott Parsons

Now let’s read about another functionalist

• Highlight any sociological terms

• Add them to your dictionary

Can you think of any thing that is wrong with this theory?

Criticisms of Functionalism

• Read through section 2 of your handout

• Highlight any sociological terms

• Add them to your dictionary

Question construction

• In pairs you will be allocated a section – Parsons/Criticisms

• Circle the appropriate title on your worksheet• Write the questions onto your worksheet.

Swap questions and answer the questions

on your new WS

Functionalism-True & False

On your tables think of 3 things that are true about functionalism, write these in your notes in green;

Eg – Functionalism is a consensus theory

And 3 things that are false about functionalism write these in your notes in red;

Eg- Functionalism is a conflict theory

Announcements

• Folders - £1 outstanding• Homework – outstandingAll have been referred to intervention – 2 pieces

of homework late and I will phone home• Mastery learning test – Wednesday!! Any

questions please come and see me.

NOW HOLE PUNCH & FILE YOUR WORK

Re socialisation

• Part of secondary socialisation;• When you leave the family (primary

socialisation) and move into different social situations, where you learn new norms and values.

For example• School• Work• Peer group