Sociology Functionalist Perspective Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the structural-functionalist perspective emphasize?

The way in which parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability.

What is necessary for the functionalist perspective to work correctly?

All parts must be connected and relate in some way.

What does the functionalist perspective examine?

The component parts of society (institutions) and how they relate to each other.

If there is a glitch in one category it will make it ______.

dysfunctional Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a dysfunctional social context?

The component parts are arranged in such a way as to threaten the social context. Signup and view all the answers

What are key words associated with the functionalist perspective at the macro level?

Stability, unity, consensus, conservative, agreement, solidarity, harmony. Signup and view all the answers

What are manifest functions?

Open-stated and conscious functions involving intended, recognized consequences of an aspect of society. Signup and view all the answers

What are latent functions?

Unconscious or unintended functions that reflect hidden purposes of an institution. Signup and view all the answers

What are institutions in the context of sociology?

A cluster of social structures that fulfills one or more fundamental needs of a society. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four characteristics of institutions?

<ol> <li>Tend to be resistant to change, 2) Tend to be interdependent, 3) Tend to change together, 4) Tend to be the site of major social problems.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you change the time of school?

It messes up everything (traffic, restaurants). Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a manifest function.

Religion shares and reaffirms community values and promotes social unity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a manifest function of the economy?

To produce and distribute goods and services. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structural-Functionalist Perspective

Emphasizes the structural arrangement of society to maintain stability.
All components of society must be interconnected for proper functioning.

Interconnectedness and Functionality

Each part of society must relate to others, similar to the functioning of a clock.
A glitch in one area can lead to overall dysfunction within the society.

Focus of the Functionalist Perspective

Analyzes how various institutions (component parts) interact and contribute to societal structure and function.

Dysfunction in Society

Social context becomes dysfunctional if component parts threaten stability through their arrangement.

Key Characteristics of Functionalism

Macro level focus includes terms like stability, unity, consensus, and harmony.
Indicates a conservative view of social order and agreement.

Manifest Functions

Functions that are open, stated, and consciously recognized; intended consequences of societal aspects.
Example: Education serves to transmit knowledge, but also delays entry into the workforce.

Latent Functions

Functions that are unconscious, unintended, and may reflect hidden purposes of institutions.
Example: Keeping children in school to prevent idle behavior.

Understanding Institutions

Defined as clusters of social structures fulfilling fundamental societal needs and embodying stable values.

Characteristics of Institutions

Tend to resist change, show interdependence, change collectively, and are often sites of significant social problems.

Impact of Changing Institutional Structures

Altering school schedules can disrupt various interconnected aspects such as traffic flow and local businesses.

Examples of Manifest Functions

Religion serves to share community values and promote social unity; however, it can also prompt social issues like war and harassment.
The economy's manifest function is to produce and distribute goods; conversely, it can lead to corruption and job instability.

Description

This quiz features flashcards that explore the structural-functionalist perspective in sociology. It defines key terms and concepts essential for understanding how societal components work together to maintain stability. Perfect for students looking to enhance their grasp of functionalist theory.