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Social Theories
Functionalism
Functionalists believe that
everything and everybody in society
has a ROLE (a function) that makes
society to run smoothly.
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Example:
 The
HUMAN BODY
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The organs of a human body work together to keep us alive.
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Each organ has a FUNCTION. Each organ works interdependently to
help us move, think, breath, eat, pump blood, etc.
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If all of our organs are working properly and doing their ROLE, we
function “normally”.
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Also, all of our natural organs and body parts have a purpose to
keep us functioning.
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Examples?
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Key Theorists:
 Emile
Durkheim
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One of the original and traditional sociologists
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Dealt heavily with Organic Solidarity – a type of Functionalism
 TalcottParsons
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Contemporary sociologist/functionalist
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Functionalism: Key Words
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Function:
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The different parts of each society contribute positively to the
operation or functioning of the system as a whole
•Institutions:
•Functionalist analysis looks on social systems as having certain needs,
and society as a system of social structures/institutions (economic, legal,
educational). If the needs are being met, then it is the social structures that
meet these needs. The structures are thus functional in the sense that they
help society to operate. Interconnections exist within and among these
structures, and individuals and groups are constrained by these
structures.
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Interdependence
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Since society is composed of different parts, and the proper operation of
these parts is necessary to the smooth operation of society as a whole,
the interdependence of the parts is an important feature of functional
analysis.
The roles taken on by people, and the institutions and organizations of
society are all interdependent.
A change in any one part affects others, requiring other parts to take
account of the changes, modify its actions, and adapt to any changes
necessary.
 So, dysfunctions can occur in a functional society, however all parts of
society will have to adjust and adapt to create a new
working/functional society once again.
Interdependence and Equilibrium
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Functionalism attempts to explain the relationship of different
parts of the system to each other, and to the whole.
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These parts work together in an orderly manner, without great
conflict. The different parts are usually in equilibrium, or moving
toward equilibrium, with consensus rather than conflict governing
the inter-relationships of the various parts.
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Macro
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The focus is macro-sociological, with institutions and structures
existing in the society as a whole.
Consensus – Norms and Values
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A consensus exists within the social system.
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Individual behaviour is governed by social norms(most
consistent behaviour in society)or rules that are generally
accepted and agreed upon.
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These norms and values are consistent with the equilibrium state
of society, or normal state of affairs.
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There are aspects of these norms that return the society to a
normal state of affairs in the case of a disturbance – for example,
sanctions, punishment, social approval, and social disapproval.