DURKHEIM FUNCTIONALIST THEORY

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Functionalist Theory

Summary: DURKHEIM

Focus on the role of culture. Its ability to form consensus between social groups and the the interrelations of each group in helping make society a whole.

Social Fact: We are born into a society that has a pre established way of life, ways of doing and acting.

Collective Consciousness: The shared ideas of a society as a whole. It is how the society views the world.

Division of Labor: The work and activities that people participate in are more and more specialized, increasing in complexity and differentiation.

Differentiation of Society: The concerns, aims and beliefs of certain groups are different but the groups are bound by their reliance on one another to function

Social Solidarity: Mechanical Solidarity - Based on similarity of beliefs and values. Organic Solidarity - Form of social life based on peoples need for each others services. Interdependence.

Anomie and Justice: the dissociation of an individual from their social context which leads to decline in social cohesion