Sociology: Functions and Stability of Social Systems

The order perspective in sociology arises largely from the theories of Talcott Parsons.

The conflict perspective is also known as system theory.

Sociological theorizing on racial and ethnic relations has mostly used the conflict perspective.

The order perspective views society as being composed of independent parts.

In the order perspective, social arrangements exist by chance.

The order perspective is a single, unified theory.

Macro-sociology focuses on small-scale, social-structural issues.

The conflict perspective has been widely applied to the study of race and ethnic relations in the United States.

Every element of society performs a function for the greatest good of the largest number of its members.

Societies tend toward instability and disequilibrium because each part is performing a function.

Consensus and stability are undesirable in society according to the functionalist perspective.

The functionalist perspective is often associated with radical social change.

The functionalist perspective values social equality over stability.

The functionalist perspective was dominant in American sociology from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The functionalist perspective predicted the social upheavals of the 1960s and early 1970s.

The functionalist perspective is a value-free theory.

Order and Conflict Perspectives in Sociology

Two influential perspectives in macro-sociology: order and conflict, which have been applied to the study of racial and ethnic relations.

The Order (Functionalist) Perspective

Also known as: functionalist perspective, structural-functionalism, consensus theory, equilibrium theory, and system theory.
Originated from the theories of Emile Durkheim and further developed by Talcott Parsons and others.
Widely applied to race and ethnic relations, especially in the United States.
Not a single, unified theory, but rather a set of related theories and value judgments arising from common premises.

Key Assumptions of the Order Perspective

Society is made up of interdependent parts that depend on each other for functioning.
Every element of society performs a function that meets a need or helps the system work.
Society tends toward stability and equilibrium because each part is performing a function.
Society tends toward consensus on basic values, necessary for cooperation.
Consensus and stability are desirable, facilitating cooperation and meeting individual, group, and system needs.

Criticisms and Limitations

Associated with political conservatism and cautious liberalism.
Values stability over social equality, which can lead to conflict and change.
Critics argue that the perspective reflects values as well as theory.
Failed to predict and explain the social upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s.
Dominant in American sociology from the end of World War II to the early 1960s.

This quiz covers the functions of elements in a society, how they contribute to the system's stability and equilibrium, and the concept of social change.