Sociology 2271A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Talcott Parsons, Conflict Theories, Smoothness
21 Feb 2019
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2:32 pm: was for many years the dominant sociological theory. Functionalism (consensus theory: refers to a system of parts, where the aim is to be effective and efficient. It is about consensus, building order, the focus on the interrelation/balance among parts. Focuses on the systems of power and dominance at play. Change is seen as quick, disorderly, and chaotic, particularly when subordinate groups overpower dominant groups. The can, however, also be looked at separately. For example you could look at the structures of society without referring to how they function. At the same time, you could interpret the functions of society without do not take a specific structural form (see pg. Talcott parsons sees society as a series of inter-related parts: view was macro sociological. Focused on large theoretical parts: he thought individuals were individual actors and were part of a larger society. Social system" [micro]: uses status-role" as the basic unit of this system.
