SOCA01H3 Chapter Notes -Class Consciousness, Class Conflict, Talcott Parsons
Document Summary
Feature of functionalism: focuses on relatively stable patterns of social structure mainly macro (i. e. ms"s words: general (stable) characteristics of a society, social structures maintain or undermine social stability. Association of employers, workers, teachers, students, men, women, sports people, etc. can help re-establish equilibrium. Talcott parsons best known for identifying how various institutions must work to ensure the smooth operation of society. Merton social structures may impact different groups differently, and have dysfunctional consequences. Manifest passing information from generation to generation. Latent encourage development of a separate youth culture and often conflicts with parent"s values. Nannies: higher classes try to maintain their power, while the lower class struggles to increase theirs, constant struggle between classes, conflict theory suggests to eliminate the privileged to lower conflict and increase human welfare. Class conflict, the struggle between classes (against priv. ) lies as the centre of his ideas.
