Usefulnessof functionalist theory free essay sample

Assess the usefulness of functionalist theory to an understanding of society as a functional unit ? (33 Marks) As a structural theory, Functionalism sees social structure or the organisation of society as more important than the individual. Functionalism is a top down theory. Individuals are born into society and become the product of all the social influences around them as they are socialised by various institutions such as the family, education, media and religion. Theory of Talcott Parsons Everyone has to have shared goals. Goals that benefit society. We need value consensus. Value consensus = agreed goals, values, roles that standardise and determine behavior. This = social order. How do we get value consensus? 1. Socialisation – the system can ensure it’s needs are met by teaching individuals to want to do what it requires them to do. Individuals internalise the norms and values so that society becomes part of their personality 2. Social Control – positive sanctions reward conformity and negative sanctions punish deviance. We will write a custom essay sample on Usefulnessof functionalist theory or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page E.g. individual achievement is valued therefore those who conform to educational success are rewarded with qualifications while those who deviate by dropping out may be labeled as ‘lazy’ This means behavior will be predictable and stable = social order. Parson’s types of society.Traditional society Modern society Immediate Gratification Deffered Gratification.  Ascribed status Achieved Status.  Gradual change also occurs through dynamic equilibrium – as a change happens in one part of the system it produces changes in other parts to maintain social stability. This the result of institutions working together effectively to meet societies needs.  Marxism.  Conflict .  Revolutionary change.  Society benefits the ruling class.  Social control Ideological – distracted from the realities of exploitation. False consciousness – ruling class take control over education, media and religion so the working class are distracted from the realities of their exploited situation (however by bringing the working classes together in large numbers and driving down wages it is likely the working class will develop a consciousness of its own ‘Physical’ social control – if the ideological control fails the ruling class has its control over courts, police, armed services etc. to fall back on Both theories view society as a system of social structures and both agree that these social structures exist within a society.