Introduction to Sociology (Lesson Four) PDF

SOC111 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES / THEORIES FUNCTIONALISM PERSPECTIVES DR. TASHA SAIWAK-WILLIAM  OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this lesson, students would be able to: 1. Identify the Main Functionalists 2. Discuss and Differe...

SOC111 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES / THEORIES FUNCTIONALISM PERSPECTIVES DR. TASHA SAIWAK-WILLIAM  OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this lesson, students would be able to: 1. Identify the Main Functionalists 2. Discuss and Differentiate between the various Functionalists Perspectives 3. Apply the theories to real world examples.  INTRODUCTION Sociologists study social events, interactions, and patterns. They then develop theories to explain why these occur and what can result from them. In sociology, a theory is a way to explain different aspects of social interactions and create testable propositions about society (Allan 2006). As we delve/ dig in further into those perspectives, let us try to fully understand what each theory is speaking on and also compare.  WHAT IS FUNCTIONALISM? Functionalism is a key Consensus Theory. It places importance on our shared norms and values, by which society is enabled to function. It is a structural theory, which means it believes societal structures shape individuals. Individuals are the product of social structures and socialization. This is also called a ‘Top-down' Theory.  FUNCTIONALISM PERSPECTIVE (FUNCTIONAL THEORY) Highlights the need for order and stability in the society. Functionalism Theorists (Functionalists) :  Emile Durkheim.  Talcott Parsons  Herbert Spencer  Robert Merton  QUESTION TIME How is Society Structured?  FUNCTIONALISM (CON’TD) A society is normally referred to as a social system that is made up of a number of institutions. Auguste Comte was the first sociologist to recognize that society is made up of parts. Durkheim referred to these parts as institutions with the responsibility of carrying out specialized functions that will benefit the entire society. Parsons introduced the concept of structural differentiation which explained as a situation in which institutions in modern societies carry out specialized functions.  QUESTION TIME How does Society Function?  FUNCTIONALISM (CON’TD) Society functions just like the human body, as all the parts needs to be working well in to function efficiently. In the same way, all the institutions in society need to work well with each other to operate effectively. However, according to Talcott Parsons with his concept of Structural Functionalism he states that there is an interrelationship between all the interdependent parts that make up society and that this allows for the smooth running of society. (The structures of a society exercise power over individuals).  WHAT IS STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM? Functionalism, also called structural-functional theory, sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of the individuals in that society. The parts of society that were referred to are the social institutions, or patterns of beliefs and behaviors focused on meeting social needs, such as government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and the economy.  REAL WORLD EXAMPLES Formation of Government and military for law and order to avoid anarchy. Services of the health sector amidst pandemics Church’s position in dealing with social matters such as abortion.  EMILE DURKHEIM KEY CONCEPTS 1. Social solidarity 2. Social consensus 3. Anomie (Lack of Social and Ethical Standards) 4. Positivism Durkheim is considered the true father of Sociologist. He was committed to producing a Science of Society. He insisted that there should be a system of rules to be followed in a Sociological investigation and used the Positivism method in his study of suicide.  EMILE DURKHEIM He was committed to producing a Science of Society. He insisted that there should be a system of rules to be followed in a Sociological investigation and used the Positivism method in his study of suicide. He believed that beliefs, morals, values and ways of behaving are passed on from one generation to the next. These guidelines for human behaviour both let individuals know what society expects of them and also constrain behaviour.  EMILE DURKHEIM Durkheim argued that there is a dynamic relationship between the individuals and society and that is what holds them together is a body of beliefs, moral codes and shared customs, transmitted through the socialization process involving institutions such as the family, the school and religion. The Collective Consciousness is a social fact that consist of an agreement on common moral values and beliefs. If Society is unable to maintain and enforce this common set of beliefs and values , members fall in a state of Anomie.  EMILE DURKHEIM Durkheim believed that Social Order in society could only be achieved when people are willing to cooperate with each other. This suggests that people act in response to moral commitment and obey rules because they believe them to be right (Collective Consciousness).  TALCOTT PARSONS KEY CONCEPTS 1. Organic analogy 2. The four needs of society For stability, order and uniformity in society, there must be a mutual understanding among people, by having certain values that should be acceptable by everyone in society and viewed as good for all. He believed the Value Consensus is the basis for promoting social integration, unity, cooperation, common goals and creation of a common identity. He recognized that each social system (family, education, religion, government) carries out specialized functions that benefits both the individual and society. He spoke about Social Equilibrium (the state of balance between parts of the social system). Society should always be in a state of balance as changes in one part of the social system are accompanied by changes in other parts through the process of Socialization and Social Control.  TALCOTT PARSONS (CON’TD) The Four (4) needs of society : 1) Adaptation 2) Goal Attainment 3) Integration 4) Pattern Maintenance  HERBERT SPENCER He explained how society is structured. He believed that just as the human body depends on all its parts to survive so as the society with the different structured institutions. He contributed towards the debate on how Social Change in society is achieved through differentiation and specialization through and revolution process with societies evolving from simplicity to complexity. (social and industrial reforms brough by industrialization)