Key Concepts of Functionalism

Key Concepts of Functionalism

1. the functionalist perspective on society

   • funtionalists believe that society is based on VALUE CONSENSUS
     • a set of shared norms and values- into which society socialises its members
       • functionalists believe that every member of society is happy with these shared norms and values
         • ROSE TINTED VIEW
   • they see society as being made up of seperate subsystems that rely on each other.
     • such as ...
       • EDUCATION SYSTEM
         • ECONOMY
           • THE FAMILY
     • funtionalists often compare society to a biological organism; such as the human body; where each sub-system is relient on one another.
       • e.g. just as the heart or the lungs performs essential functions for the body, the family performs essential functions for society
         • such as...
           • SOCIALISATION OF THE YOUNG

2. functionalist perspective on the family

   • performs the 4 essential funtions of a stable society
     • STABLE SATISFACTION OF THE SEX DRIVE
     • REPRODUCTION OF THE NEXT GEN.
     • MEETING ITS MEMBERS' ECONOMIC NEEDS