In functionalist theory of socialisation, there are two prominent figures that support this theory. The two figures are Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parson. Socialisation itself refers to the process of learning roles, norms, and values whether it is a choice or given.
Functionalists view socialization as a process that helps maintain social order and stability by instilling shared values, norms, and beliefs in individuals. They believe that socialization ensures that individuals learn to fulfill their roles in society and contribute to its smooth functioning. Overall, functionalists see socialization as essential for creating cohesive and integrated communities.
The functionalist perspective in sociology would likely contend that the role of the mass media is to provide socialization, enforce social norms, and create social stability and cohesion through public events. From this viewpoint, the mass media helps maintain social order by transmitting values and norms to society and promoting social integration and solidarity.
The functionalist perspective emphasizes the integrative power of education in human society. It views education as providing essential functions such as socialization, transmission of culture, and preparation of individuals for the workforce, all of which contribute to the stability and cohesion of society.
The functionalist perspective in sociology notes how the family fulfills the needs of its members by providing emotional support, socialization, and stability. It also emphasizes how the family plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and stability within society.
A Functionalist might view the Prohibition Era as an attempt to promote social order by reducing alcohol-related crime and improving public health. A Conflict Theorist might see it as a tool of social control by powerful groups to restrict the behavior of marginalized communities. An Interactionist might focus on how prohibition influenced social interactions, such as speakeasies providing spaces for people to socialize outside the law.
Parsons argued that societies require certain features in order to survive. One of these is pattern maintenance passing on of societies, norms, values and cultures to the next generation. They are passed initially by the family(primary socialisation). Within the family, children are treated as individuals and learned common goals, appropriate values and gender roles.
The functionalist perspective in sociology would likely contend that the role of the mass media is to provide socialization, enforce social norms, and create social stability and cohesion through public events. From this viewpoint, the mass media helps maintain social order by transmitting values and norms to society and promoting social integration and solidarity.
A Functionalist might view the Prohibition Era as an attempt to promote social order by reducing alcohol-related crime and improving public health. A Conflict Theorist might see it as a tool of social control by powerful groups to restrict the behavior of marginalized communities. An Interactionist might focus on how prohibition influenced social interactions, such as speakeasies providing spaces for people to socialize outside the law.
The three major theoretical perspectives on socialization are symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals develop a sense of self through interactions with others. Functionalism emphasizes the role of social institutions in shaping behavior and attitudes. Conflict theory highlights power dynamics and social inequalities in the socialization process.
Erik H. Erikson believed that socialization is a lifelong process that involves the development of an individual's identity through interactions with others. He emphasized the importance of social relationships in shaping personality and believed that successful completion of different social challenges at each stage of life contributes to a person's overall well-being.
Functionalists view globalization as a natural and beneficial process that promotes economic growth, cultural exchange, and global interconnectedness. They emphasize how globalization can increase efficiency, spread technological advancements, and improve living standards for people around the world. Functionalists believe that globalization ultimately leads to greater social integration and harmony among nations.
Functionalists believe that health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. They emphasize the importance of health in maintaining social order and promoting overall societal functioning. This perspective focuses on the role of individuals in maintaining their own health and the social institutions that support and regulate health behaviors.
Functionalists argue that same-sex marriage enhances social stability by promoting family unity and providing legal rights and benefits to all individuals. They believe that allowing same-sex couples to marry contributes to social cohesion and reinforces the institution of marriage as a fundamental building block of society.
Functionalists view discrimination as a way for society to maintain social order by differentiating between groups and roles. They argue that discrimination can serve a purpose in reinforcing norms and values within a society, thus contributing to social stability. Additionally, functionalists may see discrimination as a mechanism for promoting competition and encouraging individuals to strive for success.
Agents of socialization
Weber was a functionalist, also.
Agents of socialization
A functionalist might ask questions related to how different parts of a system work together to maintain equilibrium and promote stability. They are interested in understanding the functions of different social institutions and how they contribute to the overall functioning of society.