THEORY
AND
METHODS
, Functionalism
Merton’s Internal Critique of Value Consensus
Functionalism: and Social Order:
*Merton= ‘functionalist *Parsons= valued
alternatives,’ e.g. primary consensus is needed
socialisation does not need to be in for society to survive.
nuclear families. *These include
*Not all parts of society come shared beliefs, norms,
together, some are independent. values and goals.
*Parsons excludes ‘dysfunctions’
in some parts of society. - T
↑
Functionalism
↳
S Integration of Individuals:
Evaluation For L *Socialisation: the social system
Functionalism: meets individuals needs by
*Marxists= Functionalists fail to teaching them the norms and
explain conflict, change and values of society.
inequality. *Social control: positive actions
*Action theory= over socialise are rewarded while negative
view of individuals. ones are punished
*Post-modernists= functionalists (meritocratic). This ensures
ignore the diversity and behaviour follows society’s
instability within modern goals.
society.
AND
METHODS
, Functionalism
Merton’s Internal Critique of Value Consensus
Functionalism: and Social Order:
*Merton= ‘functionalist *Parsons= valued
alternatives,’ e.g. primary consensus is needed
socialisation does not need to be in for society to survive.
nuclear families. *These include
*Not all parts of society come shared beliefs, norms,
together, some are independent. values and goals.
*Parsons excludes ‘dysfunctions’
in some parts of society. - T
↑
Functionalism
↳
S Integration of Individuals:
Evaluation For L *Socialisation: the social system
Functionalism: meets individuals needs by
*Marxists= Functionalists fail to teaching them the norms and
explain conflict, change and values of society.
inequality. *Social control: positive actions
*Action theory= over socialise are rewarded while negative
view of individuals. ones are punished
*Post-modernists= functionalists (meritocratic). This ensures
ignore the diversity and behaviour follows society’s
instability within modern goals.
society.
