Alevels Sociology
CHAPTER 1:
1. ‘Social order may be the product of consensus or coercion, depending on which sociological perspective is adopted.’ Explain and discuss.
Ans: Social order is the product of consensus in terms of functionalism
Social order is the product of coercion in terms of conflict theory in reality; society may be a combination of both - that is there is human free will which is also limited by social structure example institutions, laws
Functionalist Theory and consensus:
The functionalist school is linked with sociologists such as Talcott Parsons, Kingsley Davis, Wilbert Moore, and Emile Durkheim (see Farley, 2000:72).
1. Durkheim:
Durkheim 's (1964) early paradigm of social stratification, which likened society to an organism with its need for order and organic solidarity, was important in shaping functional explanations. Inequalities were attributed to differences in ability and talent, and the notion that one group could use its power to dominate another group was never central to Durkheim 's analysis (Kitano, 1985:40).
2. Talcott Parsons:
AGIL
3. Merton:
Dysfunctional concept
• Characteristics of Functionalist Theory
a. Society Consists of a Number of Interdependent Parts
The functioning of society depends on the operation and the coordination of these interdependent segments. Because the different parts of society depend upon each other, a change at one point in society will have impact elsewhere. This is especially true in modern complex societies (Farley, 2000:72).
b. Every Element Performs Some Function
All parts of the social system have the general purpose of holding society together. If something exits, it is implied that it must serve the interests of the greater whole (Farley, 2000:73).
c. Societies Tend Toward Stability and Equilibrium
A drastic change somewhere in the system would be dysfunctional for the survival of the entire system (Farley, 2000:73). It, there fore, resists wholesale change, but
1. ‘Social order may be the product of consensus or coercion, depending on which sociological perspective is adopted.’ Explain and discuss.
Ans: Social order is the product of consensus in terms of functionalism
Social order is the product of coercion in terms of conflict theory in reality; society may be a combination of both - that is there is human free will which is also limited by social structure example institutions, laws
Functionalist Theory and consensus:
The functionalist school is linked with sociologists such as Talcott Parsons, Kingsley Davis, Wilbert Moore, and Emile Durkheim (see Farley, 2000:72).
1. Durkheim:
Durkheim 's (1964) early paradigm of social stratification, which likened society to an organism with its need for order and organic solidarity, was important in shaping functional explanations. Inequalities were attributed to differences in ability and talent, and the notion that one group could use its power to dominate another group was never central to Durkheim 's analysis (Kitano, 1985:40).
2. Talcott Parsons:
AGIL
3. Merton:
Dysfunctional concept
• Characteristics of Functionalist Theory
a. Society Consists of a Number of Interdependent Parts
The functioning of society depends on the operation and the coordination of these interdependent segments. Because the different parts of society depend upon each other, a change at one point in society will have impact elsewhere. This is especially true in modern complex societies (Farley, 2000:72).
b. Every Element Performs Some Function
All parts of the social system have the general purpose of holding society together. If something exits, it is implied that it must serve the interests of the greater whole (Farley, 2000:73).
c. Societies Tend Toward Stability and Equilibrium
A drastic change somewhere in the system would be dysfunctional for the survival of the entire system (Farley, 2000:73). It, there fore, resists wholesale change, but