Key Concepts
What is the main idea behind functionalism
Society is made up of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and order.
Which two thinkers contributed to the development of functionalism?
Emile Durkheim and William James
What is the main goal of functionalism when examining society?
To understand how different parts of society work together to maintain stability.
Which social institution helps students develop knowledge and skills for future careers?
Education System
What does social stability mean?
Maintaining order, predictability, and continuity in society.
Which thinker focused on how mental processes and behaviour help individuals adapt to their environment?
William James
What role do social institutions perform in society?
They perform specific functions that help society operate smoothly.
What are two roles in a school that help it function effectively?
Teachers educate students, and principals manage schools.
What is a social function?
The contribution that an activity, institution, or social structure makes to society.
Which thinker studied how social institutions, shared values, and beliefs maintain social order?
Emile Durkheim
How do shared norms and values influence people's behaviour?
They guide people's behaviour and help maintain social order.
How do families contribute to society according to functionalism?
They provide care and support and teach children values and social rules.
What does functionalism suggest about the relationship between different parts of society?
Different parts of society depend on one another and work together to maintain social stability.
According to William James, why is it important to understand the purpose of thoughts and behaviours?
It helps explain how the mind works.
What can happen when one social institution experiences a problem or change?
It can affect other institutions and disrupt the overall social system.
What could happen to society if schools did not exist?
People would have greater difficulty gaining the knowledge and skills needed for many careers.
Why does functionalism view society as a system rather than a collection of separate individuals?
Because individuals, groups, and institutions are interconnected, and their actions and roles contribute to how society functions as a whole.
What is the main difference between William James's and Émile Durkheim's approaches to functionalism?
James focused on individuals and how their minds help them adapt, while Durkheim focused on society and how social institutions and shared values maintain stability.
How do functionalists study the connections between social institutions?
They examine how institutions depend on one another and how their interactions help society maintain balance and respond to change.
How do both education and family structures demonstrate the main idea of functionalism?
Both have different roles and responsibilities that work together to support individuals, maintain stability, and help society function smoothly.