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Sociological theories based on consensus are more useful in understanding contemporary society based on conflict. Discuss Functionalism was discredited in the 1970s even thought Merton’s work
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Sociological theories based on consensus are more useful in understanding contemporary society based on conflict. Discuss Functionalism was discredited in the 1970s even thought Merton's work is still popular in criminology. Functionalism became prominent in the 1950s USA, which was influenced by Durkheim, a nineteenth century social theorist. Functionalists examine how different parts of society relate together and how they influence each other and how they form a particular social structure. Functionalists argue that society has substitute social institutions such as the family, education and the media, which have particular functions that are interrelated. This is known as organic analogy. Functionalists see harmony and consensus as the norm in healthy societies and this expresses itself in social order. Functionalists argue that we cannot understand a "part" of society, unless we understand how they contribute to society as whole. Parsons argue that human action is shaped by social pressures and personal interest....
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