Download Evaluation of the Functionalist approach

Evaluation of the Functionalist approach
1.
2.
3.
4.
Merton’s internal critique of functionalism
External critiques of functionalism
Indispensability – Parsons argues the importance of the Strengths
1. It recognises the importance of social structure in understanding
family, religion and so on and there are no other alternatives
society, how it constrains individual’s behaviour and how the major
e.g. he says nuclear family is the best but it could be argued
social institutions, like the family, education and the economy,
that 1 parent families do the job just as well.
often have links between them.
Functional unity – Parsons assumes that all parts of society
2. It provides an explanation for social stability, and why most
are tightly integrated into one single unit and that each part
people generally conform to the rules of social life.
is functional to the rest. In contemporary society many Weaknesses
things function alone and have no connection to anything else
1. It is too deterministic, it sees individuals as passive products of
e.g. the structure of banking and the rules of netball.
the social system, which socialises them into conformity and
Universal functionalism – Parsons assumes that everything in
controls their behaviour. It doesn’t allow for individual choice, as
society performs a positive function for society as a whole.
the social action theorists do .E.g. Wrong (1961) suggests that
according to Functionalism individuals have no free will or choice,
Yet what is functional for some may be dysfunctional for
they are puppets whose strings are pulled by the social system.
others. We cannot assume society is a smooth running well
The action approach suggests that individuals create society by
integrated system.
their interactions. Functionalists see society as a ‘thing’ over and
Manifest and latent functions – Merton suggests that
above individuals in contrast to action theorists argue that the
Parsons fails to realise the difference between manifest
only social reality is the one that individuals construct by giving
(intended) functions of latent (unintended consequences) of
meaning to their worlds.
these actions. Therefore Merton reveals hidden connections
2. Functionalism is also criticised for being unscientific – for
between actions which actors may not be aware of.
example functionalists claim that deviance can be functional (by
E.g. a hospital has the manifest functioning of dispensing
reinforcing social solidarity) and dysfunctional (since society's
healthcare, but a latent function so that is provides a means
needs can only be met if individuals conform). As a result this
for those who work there to meet potential marriage
cannot be disproved as it supports both sides therefore its
unscientific.
partners. It can also have a dysfunctional side such as
3. Marxists criticise functionalism for its inability to explain
spreading infection.
conflict and change. They argue that society is not harmonious;
Printed by boss6 on 12/05/2017 at 12:45
Document1
Page 1 of 3
it’s based on exploitation and divided into classes with conflicting
interests and unequal power. Stability is just a result of the
dominant class being able to prevent change by using force and
manipulation. In this case ‘shared values’ are simply covering the
interests of the dominant class.
4. Postmodernists argue that functionalism assumes that society is
stable and orderly. Therefore it cannot account for diversity and
instability that exists in today’s post-modern society.
They believe that functionalism is an example of a ‘big story’, but
postmodernists believe that such an overall theory is no longer
possible because today’s society is so fragmented.
5. Functionalists can’t explain periods of rapid social change as it
does not explain social change very effectively as socialisation,
value consensus and social control contribute to social stability and
conformity should limit social change.
Conclusion
Functionalism seeks to answer the fundamental question of how social order is possible – even if the answer neglects conflict and is too deterministic.
It can also be said that Merton’s move away from Parsons ‘grand theory’, his notion of dysfunctions, and his distinction between manifest and latent
functions all provide a good starting point for further research.
Craib (1992) notes that Parsons theory ‘has its faults, but at least it is a theory of society as a whole’.
Example question: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the functionalist approach to society (33marks)
15 A01 and 18 A02
Start with Parson’s ideas, analysing functionalism’s key concepts and showing how they fit together. Focus on the organic analogy, concepts of
function and system needs, value consensus, social integration, socialisation and social control. Outline the different parts of the social system (roles,
institutions etc) and the GAIL model.
You should evaluate Parson’s model from a variety of perspectives. Begin with Merton’s criticisms (indispensability, functional unity and universal
functionalism) and his ideas of functional autonomy, dysfunction and manifest and latent functions.
Printed by boss6 on 12/05/2017 at 12:45
Document1
Page 2 of 3
Also use other perspectives such as Marxism, Social Action Theorists, and post modernists.
Always use the strengths and weaknesses.
Printed by boss6 on 12/05/2017 at 12:45
Document1
Page 3 of 3