Vanessa Carles – Student Number: 64948722 SED2601 – Unique number: 766003
Sociology of Education
SED2601
Assignment 2
Unique Number: 766003
Due Date: 25 March 2019
Vanessa Carles
Student Number: 64948722
1
, Vanessa Carles – Student Number: 64948722 SED2601 – Unique number: 766003
Question 1
a) Discuss the following four features of the functionalist theory. Provide examples of your
own to explain their meaning:
Social order: a particular system of linked social structures, institutions, relations, customs, values
and practices that conserve, maintain and enforce certain patterns of relating and behaving.
In the broadest sense, our societies and communities rely on social order found among institutions,
traditions, values and morals that work cooperatively to keep societies moving forward instead of
falling apart. For example, most of us agree that murder is an unacceptable act and that people have
to work for their money. Overall, our beliefs are based on the morals and values of our societies,
which means that as societies evolve, so does their social orders.
The interdependence of different parts of society: Durkheim believed that society is a complex
system of interrelated and interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability, and that
society is held together by shared values, languages, and symbols. We live in an interdependent
society. We all depend on each other for most of our needs. For example, we depend on farmers for
our food and Doctors for our health.
Manifest functions: are functions that are intentional and obvious (they can be seen). Manifest
functions convey basic knowledge and skills to the next generation. For example, the manifest
functions of schools include providing an education for the students and providing them with
intellectual and academic experience and skills to eventually get a job.
Latent functions: are unintentional and not obvious. Latent functions may help members learn to
distinguish personal values from institutional values. For example a latent function of school includes
increasing one’s social network, making friends and participating in extracurricular activities
b) Briefly indicate 2 positive and 2 negative features of the functionalist theory:
Positive:
Functionalist believe that the four basic needs (food, shelter, money and clothing) are
essential for maintaining social order.
In order to achieve social order, functionalist believe in the pivotal importance of collective
conscience, shared values and beliefs for the sake of social well-being.
Negative:
The approach encourages the maintenance of the status quo and complacency on the part
of society’s members.
Functionalist departs from the observation that most modern societies are multicultural.
c) Briefly discuss the following concepts: Role differentiation and social solidarity. Provide
your own examples to explain their meaning.
Schools provide both role differentiation and social solidarity functions.
2
Sociology of Education
SED2601
Assignment 2
Unique Number: 766003
Due Date: 25 March 2019
Vanessa Carles
Student Number: 64948722
1
, Vanessa Carles – Student Number: 64948722 SED2601 – Unique number: 766003
Question 1
a) Discuss the following four features of the functionalist theory. Provide examples of your
own to explain their meaning:
Social order: a particular system of linked social structures, institutions, relations, customs, values
and practices that conserve, maintain and enforce certain patterns of relating and behaving.
In the broadest sense, our societies and communities rely on social order found among institutions,
traditions, values and morals that work cooperatively to keep societies moving forward instead of
falling apart. For example, most of us agree that murder is an unacceptable act and that people have
to work for their money. Overall, our beliefs are based on the morals and values of our societies,
which means that as societies evolve, so does their social orders.
The interdependence of different parts of society: Durkheim believed that society is a complex
system of interrelated and interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability, and that
society is held together by shared values, languages, and symbols. We live in an interdependent
society. We all depend on each other for most of our needs. For example, we depend on farmers for
our food and Doctors for our health.
Manifest functions: are functions that are intentional and obvious (they can be seen). Manifest
functions convey basic knowledge and skills to the next generation. For example, the manifest
functions of schools include providing an education for the students and providing them with
intellectual and academic experience and skills to eventually get a job.
Latent functions: are unintentional and not obvious. Latent functions may help members learn to
distinguish personal values from institutional values. For example a latent function of school includes
increasing one’s social network, making friends and participating in extracurricular activities
b) Briefly indicate 2 positive and 2 negative features of the functionalist theory:
Positive:
Functionalist believe that the four basic needs (food, shelter, money and clothing) are
essential for maintaining social order.
In order to achieve social order, functionalist believe in the pivotal importance of collective
conscience, shared values and beliefs for the sake of social well-being.
Negative:
The approach encourages the maintenance of the status quo and complacency on the part
of society’s members.
Functionalist departs from the observation that most modern societies are multicultural.
c) Briefly discuss the following concepts: Role differentiation and social solidarity. Provide
your own examples to explain their meaning.
Schools provide both role differentiation and social solidarity functions.
2
