Lecture 02 Orthodox Functionalism

FUNCTIONALIST THEORIES OF SCHOOLING:1. Orthodox Functionalism : 

FUNCTIONALIST THEORIES OF SCHOOLING:1. Orthodox Functionalism 1

INTRODUCTIONto Lectures 3-6 : 

INTRODUCTIONto Lectures 3-6 2

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3 sociological perspectives Functionalist theories Conflict theories Post-modernist theories 3

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WHAT IS THEORY? Different theories offer different perspectives of both cause and effect. 4

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Functionalist Perspectives Of the sociology of the school 6

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ASSUMPTION We can understand social institutions, practices and processes by analyzing: their functions (or dysfunctions), how such functions ensure the survival of a society, social group or social structure. 7

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Two functionalist perspectives Orthodox functionalism Liberal functionalism 8

ORTHODOX FUNCTIONALISM : 

ORTHODOX FUNCTIONALISM Émile Durkheim Talcott Parsons 9

Émile Durkheim : 

Émile Durkheim Basic concepts of Durkheim’s theory 10

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Mechanical versus Organic solidarity Pre-modern (ancient & feudal) societies are held together by mechanical solidarity. Ideal modern societies are held together by organic solidarity. 11

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The Ideal Modern Society The ideal society is cemented by organic solidarity: 1. agreement on a common culture: consensus on norms, values and obedience to rules. 2. high differentiation of labour & interdependence of roles. ? 12

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What if organic solidarity breaks down? If organic solidarity breaks down (anomie), individuals may revert to egoistic behaviour. 14

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The function of the school Ideal schools are like a mini-version of society; to maintain organic solidarity, schools must: reinforce social cohesion, maintain social roles, produce differentiated labour. 15

COMMERCIAL BREAK : 

COMMERCIAL BREAK 16

Talcott Parsons : 

Talcott Parsons Basic concepts of Parsons’ theory 17

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Basic concept – structural functionalism Unlike Durkheim, Parsons focuses less on society but more on the agent of socialization. Each social structure performs socialization functions to reinforce organic solidarity in society (structural-functionalism). 18

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The “three systems” Society as a whole, and each societal structure is divided into 3 systems: Cultural system Social system Personality system 19

Parson’s 3 systems of society and social structure : 

Parson’s 3 systems of society and social structure 20

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The important function of meritocracy In modern societies, meritocracy is the basic ingredient in role expectation: the belief in fair play. Meritocracy is supposedly anchored in equality & fairness to fulfill achieved status in society – “level playing field” – “best achiever deserves best job.” BUT HOW FAR IS IT TRUE? … next lecture… ? 21