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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.