Task 9: Applying functionalist ideas Consider how different agencies of socialisation work according to functionalists. Explanation of how this Agency of socialisation agency maintains social Examples harmony Using positive sanctions such Rewarding good behaviour as providing love and support, with praise or punishing individuals are encouraged to bad behaviour such as The family accept challenging situations telling children off. and become prepared to tolerate other people beyond the family. Friends act as a form of social Excluding those who do control, both positively and not conform to socially Peer group negatively. Very influential accepted ideas about right among young people. or wrong behaviour The media is playing an TV shows present ideas increasingly important role in Media about gender, socialising both the young and relationships, norms etc. the old. Religion has guidelines about behaviour and norms, for Sanctions such as going to Religion example the 10 commandments heaven for good behaviour in the Bible. Education shapes people’s Detentions, awards, Education norms and values through grades positive and negative sanctions. Reinforcing particular values such as hard work and Pay rises and bonuses for Workplace effectiveness which reinforce hard work value consensus which leads to a strong economy.
Task 9: Applying functionalist ideas Consider how different agencies of socialisation work according to functionalists. Agency of socialisation Explanation of how this agency maintains social harmony Examples The family Using positive sanctions such as providing love and support, individuals are encouraged to accept challenging situations and become prepared to tolerate other people beyond the family. Rewarding good behaviour with praise or punishing bad behaviour such as telling children off. Peer group Friends act as a form of social control, both positively and negatively. Very influential among young people. Excluding those who do not conform to socially accepted ideas about right or wrong behaviour Media The media is playing an increasingly important role in socialising both the young and the old. TV shows present ideas about gender, relationships, norms etc. Religion Religion has guidelines about behaviour and norms, for example the 10 commandments in the Bible. Sanctions such as going to heaven for good behaviour Education Education shapes people’s norms and values through positive and negative sanctions. Detentions, awards, grades Workplace Reinforcing particular values such as hard work and effectiveness which reinforce value consensus which leads to a strong economy. Pay rises and bonuses for hard work
292475-functionalism-topic-exploration-pack.docx