Functionalism in Sociology
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are considered basic needs for maintaining social order according to functionalists?

  • Clothing (correct)
  • Food (correct)
  • Entertainment
  • Education

    • Murdock argues that the family provides six vital functions in society.

    False

    What role does education play in relation to family and wider society?

    Education connects family and the wider society, leading to secondary socialization.

    Durkheim believes that crime and deviance are socially __________.

    <p>constructed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following functions provided by the family with their descriptions:

    <p>Sexual = Provides emotional fulfillment and stability Reproductive = Ensures the continuation of society Economic = Supports family members financially Educational = Imparts values and norms to children</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern of functionalist sociologists?

    <p>Searching for the functions of institutions in society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Functionalism posits that all aspects of society are beneficial and contribute positively to the social system.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function do families serve in society according to functionalism?

    <p>Ensuring the continuity of society by reproducing and socializing new members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to functionalist theory, the _____ helps achieve social solidarity and shared norms and values.

    <p>religion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts of functionalism with their descriptions:

    <p>Collective Conscience = Shared values and beliefs essential for social order Value Consensus = Basic integrating principle that fosters cooperation Dysfunction = Negative effects of institutions that harm society Social Solidarity = Unity among members of society through shared norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic that distinguishes human beings from lower animals according to Symbolic Interactionism?

    <p>The capacity for thought</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Symbolic Interactionism, people cannot modify the meanings and symbols they use in interaction.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does human thought get shaped according to Symbolic Interactionism?

    <p>By social interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ patterns of action and interaction make up groups and societies.

    <p>intertwined</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of Symbolic Interactionism with their descriptions:

    <p>Symbols = Allow for meaningful interaction Human capacity for thought = Shaped by social interaction Modification of meanings = Based on individual interpretation Groups and societies = Composed of intertwined actions and interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of alienation according to Marx?

    <p>Division of labor in a capitalist economy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Marx believes that individuals can easily free themselves from the curse of alienation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'alienation' signify in Marx's theory?

    <p>Subjugation of man by his own work</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The capitalist economy introduces a division of labor, leading to the alienation of man from his _____ and finally from _____ .

    <p>production system, society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts related to Marxism with their definitions:

    <p>Alienation = Subjugation of man by his own work Division of Labor = Production of a single or small part of an article Capitalist System = Economic process beyond control of workers Self-Knowledge = Recognition of one's connection to the world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of Marxism?

    <p>Examining the effects of capitalism on labor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Marxism believes that capitalism and communism can coexist peacefully.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the contradiction that Marxism identifies in human nature?

    <p>The contradiction between human nature and the way that work is organized in a capitalist society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of __________ refers to the profit difference between what goods are sold for and what they actually cost to make, according to Marxism.

    <p>surplus profit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Bourgeoisie = Capitalist class that owns the means of production Proletariat = Working class that sells their labor Surplus profit = Profit gained from the difference in cost and selling price Polarisation of the Classes = Increasing separation of social classes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Marxism, what role does education play in society?

    <p>To prepare individuals for a capitalist workforce</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Marxism suggests that classes will eventually disappear.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Marxism view capitalism's impact on the working class?

    <p>Marxism views capitalism as exploiting the working class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the basic needs functionalists believe individuals require to exist?

    <p>Education</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Durkheim, education is solely focused on individual achievements and does not contribute to social solidarity.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What four vital functions does George Peter Murdock attribute to the family?

    <p>Sexual, Reproductive, Economic, Educational</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The family stabilizes adult __________.

    <p>personalities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of functionalism with their respective descriptions:

    <p>Educational = Transmits norms and values Economic = Provides financial support Reproductive = Ensures continuation of society Sexual = Facilitates intimate relationships</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Parsons believe about education?

    <p>Education links family to wider society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Durkheim, crime and deviance are natural occurrences that do not relate to societal factors.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to functionalism, what is one role of the media in society?

    <p>Portrays public opinion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are social sciences primarily focused on?

    <p>Understanding societal structures and human behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The disciplines of social sciences are irrelevant to understanding society.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'social science'?

    <p>A field of study that examines society and social behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Theoretical foundations and ideological thrusts influence social sciences, affecting various __________.

    <p>disciplines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Social Sciences = Study of society and social behavior Theoretical Foundations = Underlying principles that guide research and thought Disciplines = Specific fields of study within social sciences Ideological Thrusts = Influences that shape theoretical perspectives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes signs that are associated with some other thing or event and learned through experience?

    <p>Conventional signs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Intangible objects can be seen and touched.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final stage of an act when the original adjustment is restored?

    <p>consummation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A symbol is a gesture that has the same meaning and solicits the same __________ between the user and the receiver.

    <p>reaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of objects with their characteristics:

    <p>Tangible objects = Can be seen and touched Intangible objects = Cannot be seen or touched</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do Marxists believe is a key part in controlling the Proletariat?

    <p>Alienation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Neo-Marxism asserts that economic power does not lead to political power.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define deviance according to Marxist beliefs.

    <p>Deviance is any behavior that differs from the societal norm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the symbolic interaction perspective, people act according to their interpretation of the __________ of their world.

    <p>meaning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following theories with their main concept:

    <p>Marxism = Alienation in society Neo-Marxism = Economic and political power Symbolic Interactionism = Meaning in social interaction Functionalism = Social order and stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main building block of analysis for symbolic interactionists?

    <p>Symbols</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Symbolic interactionism is solely based on the work of Max Weber.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do Neo-Marxists believe about social institutions?

    <p>They believe social institutions maintain the division between the powerful and the powerless.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the effects of an institution that detract from the conservation of society according to R. Merton?

    <p>Dysfunction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Functionalist sociologists believe that shared values and beliefs are essential for achieving social order.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which institution is considered to ensure the continuity of society by reproducing and socializing new members?

    <p>Family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to functionalism, religion contributes to social __________ and shared norms and values.

    <p>solidarity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts of functionalism with their descriptions:

    <p>Value Consensus = Basic integrating principle in society Collective Conscience = Shared values and beliefs necessary for social order Norms = Guidelines for appropriate behavior Social Solidarity = Unity among members of society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which functionalist sociologist is known for the concept of dysfunction?

    <p>R. Merton</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of moral glue refers to religion's success in binding society together.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of family in relation to societal continuity according to functionalist theory?

    <p>To reproduce and socialize new members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Functionalism views society as a structure with __________ parts designed to meet individual needs.

    <p>interrelated</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do functionalists believe is necessary for cooperation and to avoid conflict in society?

    <p>Shared Values</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Functionalism

    Social Order

    • Four essential needs for societal maintenance: food, shelter, money, clothing.
    • These needs are vital for sustaining social order.

    Education

    • Durkheim argues education transmits societal norms and values, fostering social unity.
    • Parsons (1961) emphasizes education's role in promoting universalistic values and linking family to society.
    • Education prepares individuals for future societal roles and instills values of achievement and equality of opportunity.
    • Schools help in matching individuals with suitable jobs.

    Family

    • George Peter Murdock identifies four vital functions of the family: sexual, reproductive, economic, and educational.
    • Family serves as a primary socialization agent, providing norms and values to children.
    • It stabilizes adult personalities and offers emotional security to members.

    Media

    • Media reflects audience interests and portrays public opinion.
    • It acknowledges and represents the diversity of cultures within society.

    Crime and Deviance

    • Durkheim posits that crime and deviance are socially constructed concepts stemming from society itself.
    • These categories are not inherent, but rather created and defined by human societies.

    Concepts of Structural-Functionalism

    • Structural-Functionalism views society as composed of interrelated parts that serve biological and social needs.
    • R. Merton introduces the idea of dysfunction, referring to institutional effects that may hinder societal conservation.
    • The family and religion are critical institutions that maintain continuity and social solidarity, respectively.

    Collective Conscience and Value Consensus

    • Collective conscience is essential for social order and societal well-being, ensuring members share values and goals.
    • Value consensus facilitates identity similarity, cooperation, and conflict avoidance.

    Symbolic Interactionism

    • Focuses on the significance of symbols and meanings developed through social interactions.
    • Traces its roots to thinkers like Max Weber and further expanded by Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead.
    • Highlights how individuals interpret their world, allowing for unique human actions and interactions.

    Marxism

    • A social, political, and economic philosophy analyzing capitalism's impact on labor and advocating for worker revolution toward communism.
    • Class struggle between bourgeoisie (capitalists) and proletariat (workers) is fundamental to understanding economic relations and social systems.

    Key Concepts of Marxism

    • Capitalism thrives on exploiting the working class, creating a divide between social classes.
    • Alienation in labor signifies the disconnection workers feel from their work and production process, viewed as a major issue needing resolution.
    • Class polarization describes the historical tightening of class structure, leading to the absorption of classes into either the bourgeoisie or proletariat.

    Neo-Marxism

    • Emerges from Marxist ideas, emphasizing that economic power equates to political power.
    • Suggests social institutions, like schools and media, uphold the divide between the powerful and powerless.

    Principles of Structural-Functionalism

    • Societies should be analyzed as holistic interrelated systems, with emphasis on equilibrium and reciprocal causation.
    • Focus is on social interactions rather than historical narratives.

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    Description

    Explore the key concepts of Functionalism in Sociology, focusing on its impact on social order, education, family, and media. Understand how these components work together to maintain societal stability and promote shared values. This quiz will help you grasp the essential functions that contribute to a cohesive society.

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