Functionalism is often referred to as ‘consensus’ theory
because it doesn’t address the issue of conflict in society, rather it projects an
ideal picture of harmonious social relationships.
It emerged in Europe in the 19th century as a response to what
was perceived as a crisis of social order. This crisis seemed to be the result of two
developments: -
The emergence of a new industrial society with it’s subsequent loss of community
– poor working conditions, increase in crime, growth of housing slums, poverty etc.
The French revolution which suggested ideals of equality, happiness and freedom of the
individual.
These historical conditions which were seen to approximate a crisis of economic and
political order thus gave rise to a very conservative type of sociology which reflects a
concern with the need for social order and integration. This is necessary if the social
and economic crisis was to be overcome and controlled.
Main ideas in Functionalism
The starting point of all Functionalism is that all societies have certain basic needs -
Functional requirements which must be met if a society is to survive. Functionalists are
therefore concerned with the contribution the various parts of a society make towards
those needs. All Functionalism is concerned with the basic need and desirability for
social order and stability to prevail in society.
Explaining Social Order
In explaining the basis of social order in societies the starting point for Functionalists
is to look at whole societies and not the individual; they explore the ways in which the
various parts which make up a society function to maintain social order.
Emile Durkheim
Emile Durkheim draws an analogy between the way a biological organism works and
society. The various organs of a living thing work together in order to maintain a healthy
whole in much the same way that various institutions in society work together to produce
social order.
Central Value System
Functionalists believe that the basis of an orderly society is the existence of a central
value system that imposes common values on all its members. Therefore, when Functionalists
look at the ways in which the various parts of society contribute to bringing about social
order they are mainly concerned with the ways in which these parts help to perpetuate and
maintain this common value system.
Talcott Parsons and Education
The family is the PRIMARY agent of SOCIALISATION - in the family we are judged on
particularistic terms - because we gain ASCRIBED status from the Family. That is to say we
are judged in terms of our status as brother, sister, daughter, son etc...
Education is the main SECONDARY agent of SOCIALISATION. In advanced industrial society we
are judged in terms of ACHIEVED status and universalistic values. That is to say we are
judged in terms of what we achieve and schools prepare us for this. At school our conduct
is measured against the universal school rules and our status is achieved through
examination. |