...Applicability of the Functionalist Theory Anthony Sampson SP2750 Research ITT Technical Institute Carolyn Stevenson Applicability of the Functionalist Theory The functionalist theory is built around a social concept to help give us structure with our everyday lives and groups. Functionalist are looked as top down theory, from the moment we are born we are then introduced to social influences from family, school, work and religion. In the group setting this theory can be very helpful in conforming unity within the group. Since this theory is viewed as a being set to incorporate a structure we can also use it to build a system of agreed upon rules and standards to be followed in the group. The world is run by laws and regulations to set leaders and officials to see to it that as Americans we follow the laws in place or pay penalty for not doing so. This form of policy can also be set up in a group to help keep everyone on the same structured path. It is imperative that a form of structure is implemented and a leader is appointed to inforce the policy and rules to be followed. It is also a good way to keep anyone person from crossing boundaries when dealing with issues and problems in the group. Staying professional is key when working in groups and the functional theory allows for a positive social structure to be formed. In the sense we had a group of 10 people that was part of a group in running and controlling how a business was run and carried out decisions. We...
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...Evaluate the usefulness of Functionalist theories to our understanding of crime and deviance (40 marks) A functionalist analysis of crime and deviance begins with society as a whole. It looks for the source of deviance in the nature of society rather than in the individual. Durkheim argued that crime is an inevitable and normal aspect of social life. Crime is present in all types of society; indeed, the crime rate is higher in the more advanced, industrialised countries. According to Durkheim, crime is an ‘integral part of all healthy societies’. It’s inevitable because not every member of society can be equally committed to the collective sentiments (the shared values and moral beliefs) of society. Since individuals are exposed to different influences and circumstances, it is ‘impossible for all to be alike’. Therefore not everyone is equally reluctant to break the law. Durkheim went on to say that crime isn’t only inevitable, it can also be functional. Durkheim argued that it only becomes dysfunctional (harmful to society) when its rate is unusually high or law. He argued that all social change begins with some form of deviance. In order for change to occur, yesterday’s deviance must become today’s normality. Since a certain amount of change is good for society (so that it can progress rather than stagnate), so is deviance. If the collective sentiments are too strong, there will be little deviance, but neither will there be any change, or progress. Therefore the collective...
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...Functionalist theories of religion Understand functionalist theories and explain the role and function of religion, and how religion contributes to social stability. Durkheim on religion: He believes that it is a central institution for creating and maintaining value consensus and social solidarity. The key feature was not the belief in God, but a fundamental distinction between the sacred and profane found in all religions. The sacred and the profane For Durkheim, the key feature was not a belief in gods, spirits or the supernatural, but a fundamental distinction between the sacred and the profane found in all religions. The sacred are things set apart and forbidden, that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder, and are surrounded by taboos and prohibitions. By contrast, the profane are things that have no special significance-things that are ordinary and mundane. Furthermore, a religion is never simply a set of beliefs. It involves definite rituals or practices in relation to the sacred, and these rituals are collective-performed by social groups. The fact that sacred things evoke such powerful feelings in believers indicated to Durkheim that this is because they are symbols representing something of great power. In his view, this thing can only be society itself, since society is the only thing powerful enough to command such feelings. When they worship the sacred symbols, therefore, people are worshipping society itself. Although sacred symbols vary...
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...engaged in computer piracy, he even admitted it himself. The way I can explain Steve’s deviant act is by using the Functionalist Theories (Livesey & Lawson, 2009). This theory comes from three basic ideas: consensus, conformity and control. When it comes to consensus, in our society we all know “bootlegging” movies and downloading music for free is wrong, he violated a social norm. Conformity doesn’t come natural it is something that needs cooperation and orderliness. Steve isn’t naturally-deviant according to the story, didn’t plan on going to college and start being deviant, he knew he was doing the wrong thing and lost control of his actions. Control is last of the three basic idea and it was clear in this story that Steve lost control, he was too consumed in the high of feeling powerful. Steve was downloading movies from the internet for fun and then got carried away, he started to sell the movies and it wasn’t for the money, it was for the power and respect. The activity...
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...Functionalist Theory Of Crime Functionalism (The Consensus structuralism theory) Functionalism is a consensus structuralism theory. Functionalists argue that there is nothing abnormal about deviance, and that it is necessary and normal in all parts of societies performing a positive function. The functions of crime and deviance (DURKEIM)Durkheim has identified a positive and a negative side to crime and deviance, it is positive in which it helps society to change and remain dynamic, whilst the negative side sees too much crime leading to social disruption. Durkheim believes that crime and deviance are inevitable and normal aspect of social life. They are inevitable because everyone cannot be equally committed to the shared values that guide ones actions, referred to as the collective consensus. He also believes that crime and deviance perform four essential functions for society: • Crime and deviance being essential for generating and sustaining morality. • Crime and deviance clarify and reaffirm the boundaries. For example by receiving retribution for a crime, such as a prison sentence, the state is making it clear that as criminal/deviant act has taken place. • Crime and deviance can promote social unity. When a crime has been committed, the entire community draws together in shared outrage, and the sense of belonging in a community is strengthened. • Crime and deviance can encourage social change by resulting in a change of shared values. This change in values...
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...Assess the usefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion theory Functionalist believe that religion is good for society as they believe it creates value consensus in which is a set of shared norm and values that society cannot live without. Functionalists believe that religion plays an important part in creating and maintain social solidarity and order as well as value consensus. They take on the consensus view. The first functionalist to put forward his view on religion was Durkheim who believed that religion was the origin of human thought, reason and science. Durkheim put forward a view of religion that wasn’t about gods or spirits but about the distinction between the sacred and the profane. The sacred is things that are set apart that inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder. Durkheim said that religion practices rituals in relation to the sacred and these rituals are collective. He argued that because society is the only thing powerful to evoke such feelings, then people were actually worshipping society. Although Durkheim acknowledged different religion worshipped different sacred symbols, all religions perform a function in society in which brings each other into one moral community. Durkheim also did a case study in Australia of the Arunta clan to further his understanding. He talked about the clan having a sacred totem in which they would all come together and worship. Durkheim argued that this reinforced the group’s solidarity and sense of belonging...
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...Parsons: Values and Meaning• Parsons sees religion helping individuals to cope with unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes. He identifies two other essential functions that religion performs in modern society. • It creates and legitimates society’s central values. This is done my sacralising them. In the USA, Protestantism has sacralised the core American values of individualism, meritocracy and self-discipline. This serves to promote consensus and social stability. • It is the primary source of meaning. It answers ultimate questions about the human condition e.g., why the good suffer and why some die young. Such events defy our sense of justice and make life appear meaningless, and this may undermine our commitment to society’s values. Religion provides answers to such questions, e.g. by explaining suffering as a test of faith that will be rewarded in heaven. By doing so, religion enables people to adjust to adverse events or circumstances and helps maintain stability Parsons: Values and Meaning• Parsons sees religion helping individuals to cope with unforeseen events and uncontrollable outcomes. He identifies two other essential functions that religion performs in modern society. • It creates and legitimates society’s central values. This is done my sacralising them. In the USA, Protestantism has sacralised the core American values of individualism, meritocracy and self-discipline. This serves to promote consensus and social stability. • It is the primary source...
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...The Functionalist Theory of Socialization Socialization is the process by which individuals become self-aware and learn the culture. Socialization is categorized into two: Primary socialization, which is socialization done in early years of life; and Secondary socialization; which is socialization that continues throughout life. Functionalists see society as based on consensus – a system of shared norms and values. Marxists see society as based on conflict, the conflict is based on differing interest of those with economic power know as bourgeoisie and the masses/working class known as the proletariat. Interactionist consider the meaning individuals give to their actions which arise out of interaction with others, in other words people’s behavior is not the product of external forces such as society. Functionalists see society as a system or structure that operates similar to that of the human body. The system has different parts known as social institutions. The Institutions have useful roles/functions to perform which leads to a well ordered society. They say the purpose of socialization is to unite society in set of shared norms and values which is known consensus. Functionalists, such as Talcott Parsons, saw socialization as vital to the process by which a value consensus is produced in society. Socialization provides people with common goals, and teaching them the appropriate behavior associated with particular roles and allows them to learn the norms of social...
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...FUNCTIONALIST THEORIES OF C+D Emile Durkheim: 1. C+D is functional Durkheim believed that a certain amount of c+d could be positive for society. -Necessary to generate social change – innovation only arises when old ideas are challenged. -Helps to clarify the boundaries of acceptable behaviour following social reactions to deviance eg drugs. -Creates social integration as it bonds society together against criminals eg 9/11 and 7/7. 2. C+D is dysfunctional Durkheim believed that crime and deviance also acts as a threat to society. This is because the norms and values that ‘unite’ society are being challenged, thus threatening consensus, social order and stability. 3. Cause of C+D Durkheim believed that C+D occurred as a result of anomie (normlessness). He believed that this could occur during periods of rapid social change eg revolutions when people become unsure of what society’s norms and values are. 4. Social order and social control Durkheim believed that there’s an agreement/consensus over norms and values, resulting in social order and stable societies. He believed that this was due to social control, a positive thing, creating social cohesion. He believed social control was achieved by agencies who socialise individuals into norms and values by integrating them into school, instilling core norms and values. Religion binds people together during times of happiness and sadness, and regulates behaviour. Parsons argued that sickness may be deviant...
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...sociologists refer to it as stratification. Functionalists have a consensus view of society. They believe that people in society work together for the common good of all, this is known as the organic analogy. All societies are unequal. Functionalists believe stratification is good for society. They would say that the best people get the best jobs because they are more talented and work harder. Poor people are poor because they do not work hard enough for the best positions. They are many functionalist sociologist who have put forward theories that explain the view on inequality in society. One of these is Durkheim. He argued strongly for the organic analogy because he said we share values and norms. He said that different people in different jobs represents the different organisms of the body. Society itself is more than the sum of the people who go to make up that society. He believes we live in a meritocratic society. There are opportunities to reach different levels and social mobility exists. This means that individuals have to compete with each other for different positions, and those who possess the best skills or are the most talented will be more sucsessful. Functionalists claim that inequality and stratification is functional and inevitable for society and a source of social order. Davis and Moore proposed this theory. For Davis and Moore Stratification is a system of status positions and jobs. The key point of the theory is that Stratification is universal and necessary...
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...Assess the of Functionalist theories in understanding religion today Functionalists have put forward their perspective on religion and how it benefits both society and the individual starting with how religion brings people together harmoniously, creating social cohesion and a sense of belonging as people believe in the same thing and all abide by the same rules. Religion creates and maintains a value consensus whilst giving society social order. By confirming to religious beliefs this allows us to gain morals and therefore Functionalists see religion as a positive aspect to society. Durkheim defines religion as ‘a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things’. He says all societies divide the world in to the sacred and the profane. Sacred are things set apart and forbidden, inspiring feelings of awe, fear and wonder. Profane are ordinary things that have no significance. Durkheim’s views on sacred symbols represents society’s collective consciousness which is the shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life possible; without such consciousness it would crumble. Participating in shared rituals binds individuals together reminding them that they are a part of a community. Religion defines values as sacred giving the people great power compared to the non-believers. Through collective worship society understands the moral bonds that unite them. Durkheim also argues that religion functions to reinforce the collective unity/ social solidarity...
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...Identify and discuss the key features of both Functionalist and Marxist theories. [25 Marks] Functionalist and Marxist are macro sociological theories that give a better understanding of the society. Functionalist theory is referred to as the consensus whilst the Marxist theory is known as the conflict theory. Key features of both theories are going to be identified and discussed. According to Haralambos and Holborn (2008), a theory is a set of ideas which attempts to explain how something works. Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology which explains how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. Marxism is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the role of coercion and power in producing social order and is derived from the works of Karl Max. Functionalism has its origins in the works of Durkheim, E who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable. Functionalist theory has got its main features and other theories have different views towards it. Value consensus is one of the key features of functionalist theory. Value consensus forms the fundamental integrating principle in society. The functionalist subscribes that the majority of the people in a community share common goals and only a few deviants oppose. This is supported by Haralambos and Holborn (2008) that if members of society are committed to the same values, they will tend to share a common...
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...Critical Analysis Paper The functionalist theory has affected psychology for many years to come. Many psychologists have backed this theory many centuries ago. The purpose of this paper is to describe the functionalist theory, compare the work of three theorists, and analyze one contribution of each of theorist’s findings. Functionalism began in the late 19th century. Functionalism was strongly influenced by Darwin’s doctrine of evolution (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2009). The many ideas and thoughts of functionalism originated in the United States. Functionalism is the utility of consciousness and behavior in adjusting to the environment (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2009). Theorists mainly focused on how behavior is affected by the environment. One of the main theorists during the functionalist movement was John Dewey. He was a historicist and a genetic psychologist. He had a different perspective on theories because he was a historicist and a genetic psychologist. Dewey believed that humans develop through distinct, observable stages of consciousness that correspond with the intellectual development of the race. Therefore, Dewey's inductionist and social constructivist stages are subsumed within his overall developmental scheme, the inductionist stage necessarily precedes the social constructivist stage, and the social constructivist stage necessarily incorporates the inductionist stage (Fallace, 2010, pg. 129) This alone set Dewey aside from other theorists. He made great advances...
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...Power Inequalities Different people have different views on power inequalities between man and woman, and there are many different theories on the topic, like Parsons Theory, which states that men and womans roles are biologically determined. Other theories, like Wilmott and Youngs theory states that families now are more symmetrical, meaning they're more egalitarian. However, feminists believe that although women do have more power than before, they are still exploited for the benefit of men. This essay will be describing the many different theories on power inequalities and the results of some studies that were conducted on the topic. Functionalist Talcott Parsons (1956) believes that the family works best when there is a clear-cut sexual division of labour where the woman, who in Parsons view is naturally expressive, should provide care for the children and offer them emotional support. Whereas the man, who in Parsons view is naturally instrumental, is the breadwinner in the family. This can result to stress for the man, so Parson believes the woman should also use their expressive and nurturing tendencies to stabilize and comfort men. This sexual division of labour will then provide the family with stability. Another functionalist view on child-rearing was advanced by John Bowlby (1953) who argued that the mother is crucial for the future socialization of the child. If there is maternal deprivation, then the child will suffer serious social and psychological...
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...There are Different theories on what triggers social change but the main ones are Evolutionary theory, conflict theory and functionalist theories. The social change theories provide a framework on which the social movement in Syria can be explained. According to the evolutionary theory society naturally evolves into higher levels with time hence resulting to social change. The public has become aware of its social and economic problems. In its quest to better its living standards grassroots oppositions have become more vocal .This is clearly evident in the social movement of Syria. The social movement hopes to achieve radical reforms which include democracy, improved living conditions both socially and economically. In line with the evolutionary theory all societies undergo the same stages of change the ultimate results will vary from one society and the other. Syria’s social movement revolution hopes the violence and protest will invoke change .Drawing examples from Libya and Egypt which have undergone similar revolutions and the success of the Democratic Republic of Turkey. Syria hopes to achieve similar or even better results in terms of better social and economic reforms. The conflict theory suggests that social change is invoked by the increased awareness on the social inequalities and injustices. Society’s wealthy and powerful ensures the laws favour their interests to...
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