ARTICLE REVIEW

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 FUNCTIONALISM

1. Every society is a system in a state of equilibrium.

2. All parts of a society contribute to the equilibrium by fulfilling functions, manifest or latent.

3. Social order and equilibrium are maintained by:

(a) socialization,

(b) consensus on values,

(c) social control.

4. Consensus on values and equilibrium are desirable because they facilitate the cooperation necessary to meet individual, group, and societal needs.

Criticisms of Functionalism:

1. Overemphasis on stability and harmony, neglects conflict and power.

2. Tautology: element of a system contributes to unity and interpret part of a system so that they are seen as contributing to unity.

3. Can’t explain (very well) deviance, crime.

4. Can’t explain social change.

5. Assumes agreement on values lies at the basic of social order. Values, however, vary from group to group and are enforced.

6. Assumes society as a system of ideally harmonious parts, rather than a conflict view of society made up competing groups.

7. Can’t explain (very well) major divisions in society.

Paradigm for Functional Analysis, from Merton’s Article on Manifest and Latent Functions.

1. The items to which functions (manifest and latent) can be imputed: roles, institutional patterns, social processes, cultural patterns, culturally patterned emotions, norms, social structure, social control mechanisms, etc. Examine contributions, consequences for the system.

2. Study functional requirements of the system. (e.g., A {adaptation: economy} G {goal attainment: politics, power} I {integration: laws, norms} L {latent pattern maintenance: family, religion, education, values})

3. Study motivations and actions of individuals in the social system.

Middle range theory used to guide research.

[Parsons identifies six mechanisms of social control: Institutionalization, Sanctions, Ritual Activities, Safety Valve Structures, Reintegrative Structures, Some sections of society can use force and coercion.]