Notes Definition: A sociological perspective that views society as a system of interrelated parts, each performing functions necessary for the survival of the whole.

 

📘 Notes
Definition: A sociological perspective that views society as a system of interrelated parts, each performing functions necessary for the survival of the whole.

Society is compared to a living organism → each institution (family, education, religion, politics, economy) plays a role.
Key Assumptions:
Society is a system of interdependent parts.
Each part has functions that maintain social stability.
Social institutions contribute to order and balance.
Change is usually slow and gradual.
Goal: To explain how social order is maintained and how different parts of society function together.

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Considered the leading figure of structural functionalism.
Introduced AGIL Model → four functional prerequisites every society must fulfill:
Adaptation (A): Society adapts to environment (Economy).
Goal Attainment (G): Setting and achieving goals (Politics).
Integration (I): Maintaining solidarity, resolving conflicts (Law, Religion).
Latency/Pattern Maintenance (L): Transmitting values and culture (Family, Education).
Social System: Parsons believed society survives because people share values (value consensus).
Equilibrium: Institutions work together to maintain stability.

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Modified Parsons’ functionalism → introduced Middle Range Theories.
Key Contributions:
Manifest and Latent Functions:
Manifest: Intended and recognized functions.
Latent: Unintended and hidden functions.
Example: School → Manifest: Impart knowledge; Latent: Socialization, peer culture.
Dysfunctions: Not all parts of society are beneficial; some harm stability.
Functional Alternatives: Same function can be performed by different institutions (e.g., religion or media transmitting values).
Balanced View: Unlike Parsons, Merton accepted that conflict and dysfunction exist in society.

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❓ Questions and Answers
Q1. What is Functionalism in sociology?
Ans: Functionalism is the perspective that society is a system of interrelated parts, where each institution has functions that maintain order and stability.
Q2. What are the four functional prerequisites in Parsons’ AGIL model?
Ans: Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latency.
Q3. Define Manifest and Latent Functions with an example.
Ans: Manifest functions are intended outcomes (e.g., school teaches knowledge). Latent functions are unintended outcomes (e.g., schools create peer groups).
Q4. What did Merton mean by Dysfunctions?
Ans: Dysfunctions are social processes that disrupt stability and harm society (e.g., corruption in politics).
Q5. How does Merton’s view differ from Parsons’?
Ans: Parsons emphasized stability and consensus, while Merton recognized dysfunction, conflict, and unintended consequences in society.
Definition: A sociological perspective that views society as a system of interrelated parts, each performing functions necessary for the survival of the whole.
Society is compared to a living organism → each institution (family, education, religion, politics, economy) plays a role.
Key Assumptions:
Society is a system of interdependent parts.
Each part has functions that maintain social stability.
Social institutions contribute to order and balance.
Change is usually slow and gradual.
Goal: To explain how social order is maintained and how different parts of society function together.

---

Considered the leading figure of structural functionalism.
Introduced AGIL Model → four functional prerequisites every society must fulfill:
Adaptation (A): Society adapts to environment (Economy).
Goal Attainment (G): Setting and achieving goals (Politics).
Integration (I): Maintaining solidarity, resolving conflicts (Law, Religion).
Latency/Pattern Maintenance (L): Transmitting values and culture (Family, Education).
Social System: Parsons believed society survives because people share values (value consensus).
Equilibrium: Institutions work together to maintain stability.

---

Modified Parsons’ functionalism → introduced Middle Range Theories.
Key Contributions:
Manifest and Latent Functions:
Manifest: Intended and recognized functions.
Latent: Unintended and hidden functions.
Example: School → Manifest: Impart knowledge; Latent: Socialization, peer culture.
Dysfunctions: Not all parts of society are beneficial; some harm stability.
Functional Alternatives: Same function can be performed by different institutions (e.g., religion or media transmitting values).
Balanced View: Unlike Parsons, Merton accepted that conflict and dysfunction exist in society.

---

❓ Questions and Answers
Q1. What is Functionalism in sociology?
Ans: Functionalism is the perspective that society is a system of interrelated parts, where each institution has functions that maintain order and stability.

Q2. What are the four functional prerequisites in Parsons’ AGIL model?
Ans: Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, Latency.

Q3. Define Manifest and Latent Functions with an example.
Ans: Manifest functions are intended outcomes (e.g., school teaches knowledge). Latent functions are unintended outcomes (e.g., schools create peer groups).

Q4. What did Merton mean by Dysfunctions?
Ans: Dysfunctions are social processes that disrupt stability and harm society (e.g., corruption in politics).

Q5. How does Merton’s view differ from Parsons’?
Ans: Parsons emphasized stability and consensus, while Merton recognized dysfunction, conflict, and unintended consequences in society.
1. Functionalism – General Propositions
2. Views of Talcott Parsons
3. Views of Robert K. Merton
1. Functionalism – General Propositions
2. Views of Talcott Parsons
3. Views of Robert K. Merton