Discovering Structural Functionalism

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Questions and Answers

According to the text, which philosopher believed that society constitutes a separate 'level' of reality, distinct from both biological and inorganic matter?

  • Mauss
  • Comte (correct)
  • Rousseau
  • Durkheim

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 (correct)
  • Social cohesion
  • Solidarity bonds
  • Organic solidarity

According to the text, how are complex societies held together according to Durkheim?

  • Through social hierarchy and power
  • Through specialization and interdependence (correct)
  • Through economic systems and exchange
  • Through shared values and common symbols

According to the text, what is the central concern of structural functionalism?

<p>Maintaining internal stability and cohesion of societies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the first true sociological functionalist?

<p>Herbert Spencer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Spencer, what analogy does he use to describe society?

<p>The analogy of a human body (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three functional needs or prerequisites that produce selection pressures according to Spencer?

<p>Regulatory, operative, and distributive (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Spencer argue is the solution to the problems that emerge with increasing population in society?

<p>Differentiate structures to fulfill more specialized functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalism, society is seen as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

<p>Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social structures in maintaining society. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalism, society can be compared to a body, with different parts working together for its proper functioning.

<p>Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social functions in maintaining society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalism, social structures such as norms, customs, traditions, and institutions play a crucial role in maintaining society.

<p>Functionalism sees social structures as integral to the functioning of society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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.

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