Major Theoretical Perspectives Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Major Theoretical Perspectives - Assignment ExampleThe main question which is put precedent by functionalist sociologists is that how is a parliamentary procedure kept close together at all times and how is its order maintained?To begin with functionalists concentrate upon two ideas that are closely related to their idea of how societies are held together. Firstly, how is order maintained in our society, and secondly, what are the major reasons behind the stability which exists in our society.Functionalists do not stress upon the differences found in different parts of the society. They in fact focus on how the shared norms, values and mores help create social solidarity and cohesion. (Browne, 2006)The ideas of functionalists are found on the concept of organic analogy. These ideas were initially discussed by patron sociologists like Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim. They explained that the society was like a human body. If there was pain in peerless part of the body it will af fect the functioning of the whole society. Therefore, it was necessary for the society to be in equilibrium.Durkheim (The Rules of Sociological Method, 1895) emphasizes on two concepts. The startle concept is of social solidarity. Solidarity is based upon such things as common culture, socialization, basic values and norms. It is these common ideas which bring about social cohesion in the society thereby, giving it the form of a human body. The second concept is that of collective conscience - the external expression of the collective will of people living in a society. This represents the social forces that help bind people together (to integrate them into the collective behavior that is society). It can be likened to the will of society.The most popular functionalist of America, Talcott Parsons (1951), focused on the behavior of the people while under the influence of social institutions. For Parsons, the key to the survival of the society was the shared norms and values held by its individual members. leaving from those norms leads to