Consensus View of Functionalism (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology): Revision Note

Key thinker: Émile Durkheim (1858–1917)

Contribution to the development of sociology

• Durkheim played a significant role in the development of the functionalist perspective in sociology

• This approach was popular among North American sociologists in the mid-20th century

• Durkheim made a significant contribution to sociologists' understanding of the functions of crime, education and religion

The key ideas of Émile Durkheim

• Functionalism focuses on the positive rather than the negative functions that the different structures perform in society

• The approach explains social institutions (such as families, the education system, and the criminal justice system) in terms of the functions or jobs they perform to help society run smoothly

• The various institutions meet society's needs by carrying out functions that guarantee its survival

  • In the same way, different organs in the human body carry out specific functions to ensure the whole body survives

• Durkheim studied crime, religion and education by focusing on the functions they fulfil in meeting the needs of society

  • For instance, he claimed that punishing offenders is a crucial function in fostering unity among people since it upholds the values and beliefs that the majority of society holds

  • Crime can promote social cohesion by bringing people together in this way

Criticisms of the functionalist approach

• Critics argue that functionalism overlooks the dysfunctional aspects of things such as crime, religion and the family, as they don't always perform positive functions for society

  • For example, domestic abuse in families can have devastating effects on individual victims and their friends and families

• Some sociologists argue that functionalist theories are outdated

  • For example, it fails to consider individual differences within society

• Interactionist theorists argue that individuals shape society rather than the other way around