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Questions and Answers
What is a manifest function of education?
What is a manifest function of education?
Which of the following is considered a latent function of media?
Which of the following is considered a latent function of media?
What is seen as a dysfunction within a capitalist order?
What is seen as a dysfunction within a capitalist order?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four imperatives identified by Parsons in the AGIL model?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four imperatives identified by Parsons in the AGIL model?
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What is the primary purpose of the structural-functional approach?
What is the primary purpose of the structural-functional approach?
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Which statement best describes the nature of functions in a social system?
Which statement best describes the nature of functions in a social system?
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What leads to social dysfunction according to the content?
What leads to social dysfunction according to the content?
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Why did structural functionalism lose credibility by the 1970s?
Why did structural functionalism lose credibility by the 1970s?
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What major aspect of society does structural functionalism tend to overlook, according to critics?
What major aspect of society does structural functionalism tend to overlook, according to critics?
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Which group is particularly critical of structural functionalism for its gender-blindness?
Which group is particularly critical of structural functionalism for its gender-blindness?
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What feature of structural functionalism is described as its 'bias of political conservatism'?
What feature of structural functionalism is described as its 'bias of political conservatism'?
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Which criticism highlights the inability of structural functionalism to address social inequalities?
Which criticism highlights the inability of structural functionalism to address social inequalities?
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What alternative approach was developed in response to the criticisms of structural functionalism?
What alternative approach was developed in response to the criticisms of structural functionalism?
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What is the primary goal of the parts within the structural functionalism framework?
What is the primary goal of the parts within the structural functionalism framework?
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Who is primarily credited with the development of structural functionalism?
Who is primarily credited with the development of structural functionalism?
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Which of the following best describes 'manifest functions' in the context of social structure?
Which of the following best describes 'manifest functions' in the context of social structure?
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What do the terms 'social structure' and 'social functions' fundamentally emphasize in structural functionalism?
What do the terms 'social structure' and 'social functions' fundamentally emphasize in structural functionalism?
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Which example is NOT considered a part of social structure according to structural functionalism?
Which example is NOT considered a part of social structure according to structural functionalism?
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How does Robert Merton categorize social functions?
How does Robert Merton categorize social functions?
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What is a key understanding of social dysfunction in structural functionalism?
What is a key understanding of social dysfunction in structural functionalism?
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In the context of structural functionalism, what does 'latency' refer to?
In the context of structural functionalism, what does 'latency' refer to?
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What is meant by the term 'social dysfunction'?
What is meant by the term 'social dysfunction'?
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Which of the following best describes manifest functions?
Which of the following best describes manifest functions?
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How does Robert Merton differentiate between manifest and latent functions?
How does Robert Merton differentiate between manifest and latent functions?
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Which of the following represents a latent function of religion?
Which of the following represents a latent function of religion?
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What function does education primarily serve in society?
What function does education primarily serve in society?
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Why should sociologists pay attention to latent functions?
Why should sociologists pay attention to latent functions?
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What is one function that media serves in society?
What is one function that media serves in society?
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What does the manifest function of a rain dance exemplify?
What does the manifest function of a rain dance exemplify?
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Study Notes
Structural Functionalism
- A theoretical framework viewing society as a complex system where parts work together for stability and solidarity.
- Developed by Talcott Parsons in the 1930s, influenced by Max Weber and Emile Durkheim.
- Emphasizes social structure and functions, defining social structure as stable patterns of behavior and social functions as societal consequences of these patterns.
Key Concepts
- Social Structure: Institutions like family, government, church, school, and economy shape lives across various contexts.
- Manifest Functions: Recognized and intended consequences of social patterns.
- Latent Functions: Unrecognized and unintended consequences of social patterns.
- Social Dysfunction: Patterns that disrupt society's operation.
Merton's Contributions
- Expanded on social functions; classified them into manifest and latent.
- Social dysfunctions challenge the positive functioning of society.
- For example, education serves to transmit cultural norms (manifest) and keeps youth off the streets (latent).
Imperatives for Adaptation
- Parsons introduced the AGIL model for societal survival:
- Adaptation: Resource acquisition for survival.
- Goal Attainment: Establishing and pursuing objectives.
- Integration: Ensuring coordination among societal components.
- Latency: Preserving and passing down cultural values.
Criticisms of Structural Functionalism
- Faced backlash in the late 1960s, losing credibility by the 1970s.
- Criticized for neglecting social conflict, change, and presenting a conservative bias.
- Lacks explanations for social change and ignores inequalities related to class, race, and gender.
- Feminism critiques the theory's gender-blindness, overlooking women's historical contributions.
- Focus on stability has been argued as conservative, limiting comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics.
Reaction to Criticism
- Some scholars defend structural functionalism for explaining social consensus and order.
- Emergence of social-conflict approaches, such as Marxism, as an alternative critique.
Conclusion
- Structural functionalism remains a foundational theory in sociology, but continues to evolve in response to critiques, emphasizing the dynamic tensions in modern society.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of Structural Functionalism, a theoretical framework that views society as a complex system. Learn about the contributions of Talcott Parsons and Robert K. Merton, along with the distinctions between manifest and latent functions. This quiz will enhance your understanding of how social structures contribute to societal stability.
