Sociological Theories

Sociological Theory of Functionalism

Durkheim

* Sociology is a study of social facts (money, law or language) which are objective, external and constraining. Society cannot be reduced to the motives of individuals.

* Social facts explain how an action can be shaped by patterns of integration and regulation. Focused on how society hangs together through a collective conscience.

Parson

* Society is a functional unit e.g. acts as a biological organism (regulates inter-related parts that fit together).

* For the social system to function and survive it must fulfil specific needs- functional pre-requisites. E.g. personality system- connected to the social system through the social role.

* Social roles are learned expectations of how to behave in a given situation and over time these roles become institutionalised in the social system, passed on through socialisation (internalising norms) and social control (conform= rewards, deviate= punished).

* Collective conscience= social order. Social order is only possible if they agree on a value consensus (acts as a glue to hold society together). He links the social structure to social action and suggests that people can choose their own course of action.

* Pattern variables- represent range of dilemmas people encounter in social action (differences may occur according to the type of society e.g. traditional vs modern).

Differences between the norms of traditional + modern societies

Traditional societies (pattern variable A) | Modern societies (pattern variable B) |

Ascription – status is based on fixed characteristics such as gender | Achievment – status is based on performance such as effort in education |

Diffuseness – Relationships are broad with a range of purposes | Specificy – Relationships are narrow and limited to specific purposes |

Particularism – Norms emphasise treating different people differently | Universalism – Norms emphasise everyone being treated the same |...