A. Identifying norms operating in a situation As a group, agree on a particular everyday situation to be analysed. For example, you could choose to look at behaviour in the classroom, on a bus, in a restaurant, and so on. Now, on your own, write down all the norms of behaviour you can think of that apply to this situation. For example, who is meant to do what? What would you never do? … [Read more...]
Manifest and Latent Functions
Read the section about Merton’s distinction between ‘manifest’ and ‘latent’ functions on page 223. Which of the following situations or actions are examples of manifest functions and which are latent functions? Church-going gives people an opportunity to worship God. Patients receiving pills from their doctor feel their illness is being taken seriously. A quiz show on TV … [Read more...]
Criticisms of Functionalism
For this exercise you should copy out and complete each of the following statements of strengths and weaknesses. You will find a list of words at the end that you should use to fill in the gaps shown. Strengths This approach shows how a part of society can work at two different levels, both fulfilling the needs of each__________and meeting the needs of the whole__________at the same … [Read more...]
Functionalism : Answers to QuickCheck Questions
A manifest function is an intended function; latent an unintended one. Individuals are seen as puppets of the system, with no ability to interpret and act for themselves. Conservative. Societies change gradually, through a process of structural differentiation and through a process of dynamic (or moving) equilibrium. Where society is compared to a body or organism, with … [Read more...]