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Functionalism and consensus
theory
Key points
• Its origins lie in the work of Emile Durkheim, at the end of
the 19th century.
• Functionalism is a macro theory.
• It also a structuralist theory, meaning that it sees human
behaviour as being influenced by the structure or
organization of society. Example Robert Merton (1957).
Key points - functionalist theory
• Structuralist theories are generally positivist theories. They
see human behaviour as shaped by social forces, or social
facts beyond the control of individuals. Example Durkheim’s
study of suicide.
• See society as a social system made up of interdependent
social institutions such as the family, education, the
workplace, religion and the political system. All work
together to bring about social order.
Key points - functionalist theory
•Capitalist societies are generally seen as being
orderly and stable. This social order is a result
of:
1)People being socialised into similar norms
and values which promote value consensus
*Note Durkheim sees value consensus as weaker
in modern industrial society*
Key points - functionalist theory
2)Social institutions promoting social integration
(togetherness) or a sense of belonging to society or
community.
3)Both formal and informal agencies of social control
encouraging conformity to society’s rules and moral codes.
Key points - functionalist theory
4)Members of society being willing to take up their place in a
specialized occupational division of labour.
There are lots of jobs each of which require different skills and
abilities which all must be filled otherwise society will fail to
function properly. Education ensures that people are assigned
jobs which match their abilities and talents.
Davis and Moore (1945) – social stratification ensures the
most talented people end up in the most functionally
important roles.
Evaluation of functionalism
• It is over deterministic suggesting that behaviour is solely
determined by society and the social influences on people.
It ignores peoples ability to control their own actions (agency
of the individual).
• It assumes people simply end up as conformist citizens,
internalizing norms and values. It ignores clear examples of
people resisting this process.
Evaluation of functionalism
• It fails to acknowledge the social conflict that exists in modern
society, placing to much emphasis on consensus and order.
• It ignores possible social dysfunctions that can occur for example
in some families such as domestic violence
• It assumes that people are happy to take up their place in the
specialized occupational division of labour and that the allocation
of roles/jobs is a fair reflection of talent and ability.
Evaluation of functionalism
• Does not really define what a social fact is.