The Sociological Perspective Functionalist

Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives Functionalist Conflict Feminist Symbolic Interactionist Postmodernist

Functionalist Assumption: Society is a stable, orderly system Basis of society: societal consensus of shared values, beliefs, and behavioural expectations Society as parts to a whole with each part having a function Society is like a living organism

Founding Father? Emile Durkheim ( ) Contributions: Created a methodology of studying society Social facts Anomie Division of labour First to publish a statistical study (on suicide) (empirical study)

Functionalist  Applying a Functionalist Perspective to the Study of Suicide  Durk’s theory: suicide is to be seen as an effect of social rather than personal factors; that where there is no or little shared sense of community, suicide rates will be higher (Canadian example- among some Aboriginal Communities)

Durkheim (con’t) Durkheim invented the term “social fact” Social facts are the patterned ways of acting, thinking, and feeling in a society. These forces shape a person to live their life a certain way. What are some social “facts” of Canadian Society? Take 5 minutes and compose a list.

Durkheim (con’t) Durkheim also believed that when these facts break down an “Anomie” occurs. This causes a division in the society and the result of a loss in shared values. For example, Quebec separation. Create a Graphic Oganiser of the factors etc that may lead to Anomie in a young, middle aged and elderly person.

Functionalism Views Society is made up of social structures or institutions that help it survive. These include family, education, government, religion, and economy. Take 10 minutes to answer how each one of these institutions help maintain stability. What would happen if one broke down?

George Simmel ( ) His Views Society as a web of patterned interactions Interaction conditioned by size: dyads, triads, etc (the group) The group dynamics and inter-relation are the keys to society. He saw that urbanisation / industrialisation was promoting individualism while concern for the group diminished

Talcot Parsons: Role of the Family Parsons believed that people made sacrifices to ensure societies survival. Roles were created, especially in the family. Men performed the instrumental role in the family. The husband was in charge of decision making, employment and providing for the family. Women performed the expressive tasks. This included housework, caring for children, and providing emotional support. All other institutions were created to support the family. BQ: formulate a response to the assertion: The break down of the family unit (nuclear family) has led to the decline of society overall