Which View Of Culture Became Popular In Sociology In The United States Beginning In The 1950s?A) Conflict Theory B) Interactionist Theory C) Social Control Theory D) Functionalist Theory

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The Rise of Functionalist Theory in American Sociology

Introduction

The study of culture has been a cornerstone of sociology, with various theories emerging to explain its complexities. In the United States, the 1950s marked a significant shift in the way sociologists viewed culture. Among the options provided, one theory gained popularity and became a dominant force in American sociology. In this article, we will explore which view of culture became popular in sociology in the United States beginning in the 1950s.

The Emergence of Functionalist Theory

Functionalist theory, also known as structural functionalism, became the dominant perspective in American sociology in the 1950s. This theory was developed by sociologists such as Talcott Parsons, Robert Merton, and Kingsley Davis. Functionalist theory posits that society is a complex system with various institutions, such as family, education, and economy, working together to maintain social order and stability.

According to functionalist theory, culture is a set of shared values, norms, and beliefs that serve to maintain social order and stability. These cultural norms and values are seen as essential for the smooth functioning of society, and they are passed down from one generation to the next through socialization. Functionalist theory emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and the need for individuals to conform to societal norms in order to maintain social order.

Key Features of Functionalist Theory

  • Social order: Functionalist theory emphasizes the importance of social order and stability in society.
  • Institutional analysis: Functionalist theory focuses on the analysis of institutions, such as family, education, and economy, and how they contribute to social order.
  • Cultural norms: Functionalist theory highlights the importance of cultural norms and values in maintaining social order.
  • Socialization: Functionalist theory emphasizes the role of socialization in passing down cultural norms and values from one generation to the next.

Criticisms of Functionalist Theory

While functionalist theory was a dominant force in American sociology in the 1950s, it has also faced criticisms from various sociologists. Some of the criticisms include:

  • Overemphasis on social order: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its overemphasis on social order and stability, and its failure to consider the role of conflict and change in society.
  • Lack of attention to power dynamics: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its lack of attention to power dynamics and the ways in which social institutions can be used to maintain power and control.
  • Neglect of individual agency: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its neglect of individual agency and the ways in which individuals can shape their own lives and create their own social reality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, functionalist theory became the dominant perspective in American sociology in the 1950s. This theory emphasizes the importance of social order and stability, and highlights the role of cultural norms and values in maintaining social order. While functionalist theory has faced criticisms, it remains an important perspective in sociology, and its ideas continue to influence sociological thought today.

References

  • Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. New York: Free Press.
  • Merton, R. K. (1957). Social Theory and Social Structure. New York: Free Press.
  • Davis, K. (1959). The Theory of Social Change. New York: Basic Books.

Discussion Questions

  • What are the key features of functionalist theory?
  • How does functionalist theory view culture?
  • What are some of the criticisms of functionalist theory?
  • How does functionalist theory relate to other sociological theories, such as conflict theory and interactionist theory?

Further Reading

  • Conflict Theory: This theory, developed by sociologists such as Karl Marx and C. Wright Mills, emphasizes the role of conflict and power dynamics in shaping social reality.
  • Interactionist Theory: This theory, developed by sociologists such as George Herbert Mead and Erving Goffman, emphasizes the role of social interaction and communication in shaping social reality.
  • Social Control Theory: This theory, developed by sociologists such as Travis Hirschi, emphasizes the role of social control in maintaining social order and stability.

Related Topics

  • Sociological Theories: This topic explores the various theories that have been developed in sociology, including functionalist theory, conflict theory, and interactionist theory.
  • Cultural Studies: This topic explores the study of culture and its role in shaping social reality.
  • Social Institutions: This topic explores the various institutions that exist in society, such as family, education, and economy, and their role in shaping social reality.
    Q&A: Functionalist Theory in Sociology

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the rise of functionalist theory in American sociology in the 1950s. This theory, developed by sociologists such as Talcott Parsons, Robert Merton, and Kingsley Davis, emphasizes the importance of social order and stability, and highlights the role of cultural norms and values in maintaining social order. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about functionalist theory.

Q1: What is functionalist theory?

A1: Functionalist theory is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system with various institutions, such as family, education, and economy, working together to maintain social order and stability. It emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and the need for individuals to conform to societal norms in order to maintain social order.

Q2: Who are the key figures associated with functionalist theory?

A2: The key figures associated with functionalist theory include Talcott Parsons, Robert Merton, and Kingsley Davis. These sociologists developed the theory and applied it to various aspects of society, including family, education, and economy.

Q3: What are the key features of functionalist theory?

A3: The key features of functionalist theory include:

  • Social order: Functionalist theory emphasizes the importance of social order and stability in society.
  • Institutional analysis: Functionalist theory focuses on the analysis of institutions, such as family, education, and economy, and how they contribute to social order.
  • Cultural norms: Functionalist theory highlights the importance of cultural norms and values in maintaining social order.
  • Socialization: Functionalist theory emphasizes the role of socialization in passing down cultural norms and values from one generation to the next.

Q4: What are some of the criticisms of functionalist theory?

A4: Some of the criticisms of functionalist theory include:

  • Overemphasis on social order: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its overemphasis on social order and stability, and its failure to consider the role of conflict and change in society.
  • Lack of attention to power dynamics: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its lack of attention to power dynamics and the ways in which social institutions can be used to maintain power and control.
  • Neglect of individual agency: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its neglect of individual agency and the ways in which individuals can shape their own lives and create their own social reality.

Q5: How does functionalist theory relate to other sociological theories?

A5: Functionalism is one of the three main sociological perspectives, along with conflict theory and interactionist theory. While functionalist theory emphasizes the importance of social order and stability, conflict theory emphasizes the role of conflict and power dynamics in shaping social reality, and interactionist theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and communication in shaping social reality.

Q6: What are some of the applications of functionalist theory?

A6: Functionalist theory has been applied to various aspects of society, including:

  • Family: Functionalist theory has been used to study the role of family in maintaining social order and stability.
  • Education: Functionalist theory has been used to study the role of education in maintaining social order and stability.
  • Economy: Functionalist theory has been used to study the role of economy in maintaining social order and stability.

Q7: What are some of the limitations of functionalist theory?

A7: Some of the limitations of functionalist theory include:

  • Overemphasis on social order: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its overemphasis on social order and stability, and its failure to consider the role of conflict and change in society.
  • Lack of attention to power dynamics: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its lack of attention to power dynamics and the ways in which social institutions can be used to maintain power and control.
  • Neglect of individual agency: Functionalist theory has been criticized for its neglect of individual agency and the ways in which individuals can shape their own lives and create their own social reality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, functionalist theory is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system with various institutions working together to maintain social order and stability. While it has been influential in shaping sociological thought, it has also faced criticisms for its overemphasis on social order, lack of attention to power dynamics, and neglect of individual agency.