Sed 2601 Exam Notes Complete Solution

Features of the functionalist theory: • Social order: Is a system of linked/related social structures which include institutions such as schools; customs; values and practices. All these structures conserve, maintain and enforce social patterns. The emphasis is on the ‘social’ (society) and the ‘order’ (as in keeping order)in a society so that it functions/works effectively. • The interdependence of different parts of society: Functionalists argue that different parts of society such as schools, the economy, the state are all dependent on each other. So, schools cannot function properly in society unless, for example, they have a connection with the economy, if the economy demands that we become computer literate then schools should provide computer courses and have computer centres.Hence the different parts of society needs each other to keep modern society functioning. • Manifest functions: These are functions that can be seen, they are obvious. So if you attend a function as a wedding, through experience and observation, you will gain knowledge of how weddings are conducted culturally. • Latent functions: These functions are unintentional and not obvious. For example, schools do not only teach learners subject knowledge, they also teach, less obviously, punctuality through school opening times. There is no subject in the timetable which teaches punctuality, but learners learn it in less obvious ways.