Sociology: Structural Functionalism
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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of functionalism?

  • The impact of guerrilla movements on political systems
  • The importance of economy for any society (correct)
  • The control of the economy by the economic elite
  • The role of interest groups in shaping policy

    • What led to the development of structural-functionalism?

  • The failure of Marxism in Eastern Europe
  • The Cold War rivalry between the US and USSR
  • The need for a new approach to study newly independent countries (correct)
  • The rise of authoritarian regimes in Africa

    • What do structural functionalists aim to find out about a structure?

  • What it actually does in a political system (correct)
  • How it relates to other structures in the system
  • What it is supposed to do in a political system
  • How it affects the economy of a country

    • What is a key component of the political system according to the structural-functional approach?

    <p>Interest groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the basis of comparison for political systems according to structural functionalism?

    <p>The functions performed by their structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who argued that certain political functions exist in all political systems?

    <p>Gabriel Almond</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do individual institutions do in the context of structural functionalism?

    <p>Work together in service of the whole</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major limitation of structural functionalism?

    <p>It assumes that all groups are equal and have the same starting points</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method of study used in structural functionalism?

    <p>Fieldwork and direct observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of one group disagreeing with the direction of society in structural functionalism?

    <p>The whole system falls apart</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the assumption about motivation in structural functionalism?

    <p>Motivation is a zero-sum game, where one person's gain is another's loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the circular flow of money image in the context of structural functionalism?

    <p>To show how different institutions work together in service of the whole</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Functionalism

    • Focuses on how different parts of society work together to create a stable social system
    • Rooted in the idea of society as an organism where each part contributes to the whole

    Development of Structural-Functionalism

    • Emerged from the need to understand social order and stability
    • Influenced by the work of Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons

    Aims of Structural-Functionalism

    • Understand the functions of different structures in society
    • Identify the roles and contributions of each structure to the overall stability of the social system

    Political System: Key Component

    • Power is essential for maintaining social order and stability in the political system

    Basis of Comparison for Political Systems

    • Structural functionalism compares different political systems based on the functions they perform

    All Political Systems Share Common Functions

    • Talcott Parsons argued that all political systems perform essential functions such as providing law and order, defense, and distribution of resources

    Role of Institutions in Structural Functionalism

    • Each institution plays a vital role in fulfilling the needs of society, ensuring its stability and smooth functioning

    Limitation of Structural Functionalism

    • Oversimplifies social reality by assuming that every element contributes positively to society
    • Misses the complexities and conflicts that often arise from social inequalities and power dynamics

    Method of Study

    • Uses observation and analysis of social phenomena
    • Seeks to understand how societies maintain equilibrium and stability

    Disagreement with Society's Direction

    • When groups disagree with the direction of society, conflict emerges which challenges the stability of the social system

    Assumptions on Motivation

    • Assumes that people are inherently motivated to maintain societal stability and order
    • It minimizes the role of individual agency and conflict in shaping social dynamics

    Purpose of "Circular Flow of Money" Image

    • Demonstrates the interconnectedness of various economic actors and institutions
    • Illustrates how money flows through the system, contributing to economic growth and stability

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    Description

    Understand the concept of structural functionalism in sociology, where individual institutions work together to achieve a common goal. Learn how social bonds are crucial for its success and the limitations of this approach.

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