Functionalism

1
Functionalism

• Talcott Parsons and Grand Theory
• Robert Merton and Middle Range Theory

2
Functionalism

• Three main elements
• 1. General inter-relatedness of parts
• 2. Equilibrium
• 3. Restoration of balance

3
Talcott Parsons(1902 1979)

• 1. Life and Intellectual Influences
• 2. A.G.I.L.
• 3. Action Systems
• 4. Theory of Socialization
• 5. Theory of Action
• 6. Pattern Variables
• 7. Equilibrium
• 8. Evolutionary Theory of Social Change

4
A.G.I.L.(Functional Imperatives)

• Adaptation
• Goal Attainment
• Integration
• Latency or Pattern Maintenance

5
Action Systems

• 1. Behavioural Organism
• 2. Personality System
• 3. Social System
• 4. Cultural (Symbolic) System

6
A.G.I.L. and Action Systems

• A fulfilled by behavioural organism
• G fulfilled by personality system
• I fulfilled by social system
• L fulfilled by cultural system

7
Socialization

• At birth, we are behavioural organisms
• Individual identity formed through personality
  system
• Socialization through internalizing values from
  cultural system
• Learn roles through social system

8
Theory of Action

• Actors try to attain culturally-defined goals
• Means to attain regulated by social system
• Cultural system is heart of action system
• Legitimates the norms and rules
• Socialization method of social control
• Individual variation flexibility

9
Pattern Variables

• Expressive vs Instrumental
• Ascription Achievement
• Diffuseness Specificity
• Affectivity Neutrality
• Particularism Universalism
• Collectivity Self

10
Equilibrium

• Maintained when all systems function properly
• Depends on proper mechanisms of socializtion and
  social control
• Successful socialization complementarity

11
Parsons Evolutionary Theory of Social Change

• Step 1. Differentiation
• Step 2. Adaptive Upgrading
• Step 3. Inclusion
• Step 4. Value Generalization

12
Robert Merton (1910 - 2003)

• 1. Life and Intellectual Influences
• 2. Middle Range Theory
• 3. Functions, Dysfunctions, Non-functions
• 4. Manifest and Latent Functions
• 5. Theory of Deviance

13
Middle Range Theory

• Limited assumptions
• Specific testable hypotheses
• Integration of theory and research

14
Positive Functions, Dysfunctions, Non-functions

• Functions positive effect for system
• Dysfunctions negative effect
• Non-functions can be omitted from system

15
Manifest and Latent Functions

• Manifest
• Effects are expected or intended
• Latent
• Effects are unanticipated
• Can be positive (latent)
• Or negative (dysfunction)

16
Theory of Deviance

• Anomie Discontinuity between cultural goals and
  institutionalized means
• People adapt (modes of adaptation) in five
  different ways

17
Mertons Anomie

• Goals Means Adaptation
• Accept Accept Conformity
• Accept Reject Innovation
• Reject Accept Ritualism
• Reject Reject Retreatism
• Substitute Substitute Rebellion

18
Criticisms of Functionalism

• Inadequate theory of history and social change
• Does not account for conflict in society
• Conservative bias
• Problem of grand theory
• Methods not adequate for proper research

19
Neofunctionalism

• Developed as response to criticisms
• No overarching forces like A.G.I.L.
• Looks at smaller patterns instead i.e. groups,
  organizations
• Looks at both social action and order
• Recognition may be tension (conflict) between
  personality, culture and social systems which may
  lead to change

20
Differentiation Theory

• Theory of social change
• Theorists Paul Colomy, Jeffrey Alexander
• Change occurs in all systems
• Progressive differentiation
• Can also be de-differentiation (simpler)
• Uneven differentiation across systems