11 Questions
According to the text, which philosopher believed that society constitutes a separate 'level' of reality, distinct from both biological and inorganic matter?
Comte
According to the text, what term did Durkheim use to refer to the social bonds that are strong among members of pre-industrial societies?
Mechanical solidarity
According to the text, how are complex societies held together according to Durkheim?
Through specialization and interdependence
According to the text, what is the central concern of structural functionalism?
Maintaining internal stability and cohesion of societies
Who is considered the first true sociological functionalist?
Herbert Spencer
According to Spencer, what analogy does he use to describe society?
The analogy of a human body
What are the three functional needs or prerequisites that produce selection pressures according to Spencer?
Regulatory, operative, and distributive
What does Spencer argue is the solution to the problems that emerge with increasing population in society?
Differentiate structures to fulfill more specialized functions
According to functionalism, society is seen as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social structures in maintaining society.
According to functionalism, society can be compared to a body, with different parts working together for its proper functioning.
Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social functions in maintaining society.
According to functionalism, social structures such as norms, customs, traditions, and institutions play a crucial role in maintaining society.
Functionalism sees social structures as integral to the functioning of society.
Study Notes
Sociological Theory
- Durkheim believed that society constitutes a separate 'level' of reality, distinct from both biological and inorganic matter.
Social Bonds
- Durkheim referred to the social bonds that are strong among members of pre-industrial societies as "mechanical solidarity".
Social Cohesion
- According to Durkheim, complex societies are held together by "organic solidarity", which arises from the interdependence of individuals with specialized roles.
Structural Functionalism
- The central concern of structural functionalism is the problem of order, or how society achieves cohesion and stability.
Key Thinkers
- Herbert Spencer is considered the first true sociological functionalist.
Societal Analogies
- Spencer uses the analogy of a biological organism to describe society, with different parts working together to promote its proper functioning.
Functional Needs
- According to Spencer, three functional needs or prerequisites produce selection pressures: adaptation, specification, and integration.
Social Problems
- Spencer argues that the solution to the problems that emerge with increasing population in society is the development of more complex social institutions.
Functionalism
- In functionalism, society is seen as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
- Social structures such as norms, customs, traditions, and institutions play a crucial role in maintaining society.
Test your knowledge on structural functionalism, a theoretical framework that views society as a complex system promoting solidarity and stability. Explore its macro-level orientation and its belief in society's evolution like organisms.
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