Sociology is generally made up of three paradigms: Functionalism,
Conflict Theory and Symbolic interactionism.
A paradigm is a set of assumptions that shape and underlie
explanations of why society is the way it is (Early Stratification
Theory, internet 2003).
Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim, Parsons and Merton.
Functionalists believe in shared norms and values, which are
influenced by the Family, Education, church and employment. It sees
society as a shaper of people rather than people shaping society. The
functionalist says we need social order in which to survive normally.
Roles are also important to the functionalist for example the roles in
marriage.
The functionalist believe we as humans look at the roles played around
us, for example, our parents and then we copy them. We think the
pattern of life that we see is a natural one.
We learn roles from our family thus the son is expected to take the
role/job of his father as is the daughter expected to cook and clean
akin to her mother. The role of the family is to socialise its new
members and teaches them the norms and values essential to the social
life, working together to make society work as a whole.
The church's role according to the functionalist, plays a major role
in holding society together by endowing it's agreed values and beliefs
with sacredness and, through rituals, eter Worsley 1970 pg 475)
Harmony, common consent, unity, unanimity and agreement are common
words used by the functionalist. If we all agree to peace and
goodwill, have respect for each other and stick together and follow
the guidelines set down for us by our an...
... middle of paper ...
...me,
although I understand we need the basis of structures and economics
but we also need to be able to make up our own minds and direct our
own actions.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Berger, P. and Kellner, H. (1981) Sociology reinterpreted. U.K.
Pelican books.
Class: An Introduction (internet) Available from:
http://www.sociologyonline.co.uk/soc essays/class.htm accessed
29.10.03
Early Stratification Theory (internet) Available from:
http://www.wise.virginia.edu/p_withen/reviews/ST/STRev/revSTO4earlystratth.html
accessed 29.10.03
Weber, M. (1999) (internet) available from:
http://uregina.ca/~gingrich/S30f99.htm accessed on 29.10.03
Worsley, P. (ED) (1970) The New Introducing Sociology Penguin books
Middlesex impressing them upon society's members and renewing and
reinforcing their attachment to them. (P
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Therefore we are not free to act as we wish due to our actions being
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