How does society control us? » Debate between consensus and conflict views - functionalism

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

How social control operates in society
The key principles of functionalism as a consensus theory
How functionalists explain social control and social order
The contrast between consensus and conflict perspectives
Key sociologists associated with functionalism
Real-world examples and case studies of social control

How Does Society Control Us?

Have you ever wondered why most people follow rules without being forced to? Why do we stop at red lights even when no police are around? This is all part of how society controls our behaviour, often in ways we don't even notice!

Key Definitions:

Social control: The methods society uses to encourage conformity to norms, values and laws.
Formal social control: Official mechanisms like laws, police and courts.
Informal social control: Unofficial mechanisms like disapproval, praise or gossip.
Consensus perspective: The view that society is based on agreement about shared values.
Conflict perspective: The view that society is based on conflict between groups with different interests.

👉 Formal Social Control

This includes official mechanisms like:

Laws and legal system
Police and courts
Prisons and detention
School rules and detentions
Workplace regulations

👉 Informal Social Control

This includes unofficial mechanisms like:

Praise and rewards
Disapproval and criticism
Gossip and rumours
Facial expressions
Family expectations

Functionalism: A Consensus Perspective

Functionalism is a major sociological theory that sees society as a complex system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability and social order. It's a consensus theory because it assumes most people in society agree on basic values and norms.

Key Principles of Functionalism

Functionalists believe that:

Society is like a living organism with different parts (institutions) working together
Each institution (family, education, religion, etc.) has a specific function
Social order depends on these institutions working properly
Most people share the same basic values (value consensus)
Social control helps maintain order and stability

📖 Emile Durkheim

A founding figure of functionalism who studied how society maintains order. He believed shared values create a "collective conscience" that guides behaviour and prevents chaos.

📖 Talcott Parsons

Developed the idea that society works like a body, with different institutions functioning like organs. He believed socialisation teaches us society's values.

📖 Robert Merton

Introduced the concept of manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions. He also explained how society can create conditions for deviance.

How Functionalists Explain Social Control

Functionalists argue that social control is essential for society to function properly. Without it, there would be chaos and disorder. Here's how they explain it:

💡 Value Consensus

Functionalists believe most people share the same basic values, which they learn through socialisation. This shared understanding creates social solidarity (unity) and makes social control easier because most people want to follow the rules.

Example: Most people agree that stealing is wrong, so they don't steal - not just because it's illegal, but because they believe it's morally wrong.

💡 Social Institutions

Each institution in society plays a role in social control:

Family: Teaches basic norms and values
Education: Reinforces rules and prepares for adult life
Religion: Provides moral guidance and spiritual sanctions
Legal system: Enforces formal rules with clear punishments

Case Study Focus: Durkheim's Study of Suicide

Emile Durkheim studied suicide rates and found they were influenced by social factors, not just personal troubles. He identified that suicide rates were higher in societies with weaker social integration and regulation - showing how social control affects even our most personal decisions.

This demonstrated his concept of 'social facts' - forces that exist beyond individuals but shape our behaviour. It's a perfect example of how society controls us in ways we might not recognise.

Consensus vs Conflict Perspectives

To fully understand functionalism, it helps to contrast it with conflict theories:

✅ Consensus View (Functionalism)

Society is based on agreement about values
Social control benefits everyone
Order and stability are positive
Institutions work for the common good
Change happens gradually and is usually positive

❌ Conflict View (e.g., Marxism)

Society is based on conflict between groups
Social control benefits powerful groups
Order masks inequality and exploitation
Institutions maintain power differences
Change comes through struggle and revolution

Strengths and Limitations of Functionalism

👍 Strengths

Explains how different parts of society work together
Helps us understand why social control exists
Recognises the importance of shared values
Explains why most people follow rules voluntarily
Shows how institutions serve society's needs

👎 Limitations

Ignores inequality and power differences
Assumes too much agreement in society
Doesn't explain rapid social change well
Can justify the status quo and existing inequalities
Overlooks how social control can oppress certain groups

Real-World Example: School Uniforms

School uniforms are a perfect example of how functionalist ideas work in practice:

Functionalist view: Uniforms create a sense of belonging and equality. They prepare students for workplace norms and reduce distractions.
Conflict view: Uniforms suppress individuality and teach unquestioning obedience to authority.

Next time you put on your school uniform, think about how it's a form of social control and which perspective makes more sense to you!

Applying Functionalist Ideas Today

Even though functionalism was developed decades ago, its ideas are still relevant for understanding modern social control:

Social media: Creates new forms of informal social control through likes, comments and online shaming
CCTV and surveillance: Extends formal social control into more areas of life
Globalisation: Challenges value consensus as different cultures interact more
Changing family structures: Affects how primary socialisation occurs

Remember, functionalists would see these changes as society adapting to maintain social order, while conflict theorists might view them as new ways for powerful groups to maintain control.

Summary: Key Points to Remember

Social control includes both formal mechanisms (laws, police) and informal ones (disapproval, praise)
Functionalism is a consensus theory that sees society as working together for stability
Key functionalists include Durkheim, Parsons and Merton
Functionalists believe social control maintains necessary order
Conflict theories provide an alternative view, seeing social control as serving powerful groups
Both perspectives help us understand different aspects of how society controls us

In your next sociology lesson, you'll explore conflict theories in more detail, which will give you the other side of this important debate!

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!