Have you ever wondered why you behave the way you do? Why you follow certain rules without even thinking about it? According to functionalists, it's all down to socialisation - the process through which we learn to become members of society. Let's explore how functionalists believe this shapes who we are and helps society function smoothly.
Key Definitions:
Functionalists see society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability. They believe socialisation is crucial because it teaches people the shared values and norms needed for society to function properly. Without socialisation, there would be chaos!
Socialisation turns us from biological beings into social beings. It helps us develop a sense of self and learn how to interact with others. Through socialisation, we internalise society's expectations so they become part of who we are.
Durkheim (1858-1917) was one of the founding fathers of sociology and a key functionalist thinker. He was particularly interested in how modern societies maintain social order.
Durkheim believed that society needs a certain degree of social solidarity (togetherness) to function. He identified two types:
Found in traditional societies where people do similar work and have similar beliefs. Social cohesion comes from shared experiences and a strong collective conscience.
Found in modern societies with a complex division of labour. People depend on each other's specialised skills, creating interdependence that holds society together.
Durkheim studied suicide rates and found they were higher in societies with weaker social integration. He argued that when people feel less connected to society (less socialised), they're more likely to commit suicide. This showed how important social bonds are for both individuals and society.
Parsons (1902-1979) developed functionalist ideas further, focusing on how social systems maintain themselves through socialisation.
Parsons believed that for society to function smoothly, its members must share the same basic values. This 'value consensus' is achieved through socialisation and helps maintain social order. Without it, society would fall apart!
According to Parsons, socialisation has two key functions:
The family is the most important agent of primary socialisation. Parents teach children basic values, language and behaviour patterns that form the foundation of their identity.
Schools teach both the formal curriculum (knowledge and skills) and the hidden curriculum (punctuality, respect for authority, competition) - preparing children for adult roles.
Television, social media and other forms of media transmit values and norms, showing us what behaviours are rewarded or punished in society.
Merton (1910-2003) added nuance to functionalist theory by recognising that not all parts of society contribute positively to stability.
Merton distinguished between:
School uniforms have manifest functions (identifying students, reducing clothing competition) and latent functions (creating school identity, preparing for work dress codes). From a functionalist perspective, uniforms help socialise students into accepting common standards and promote social cohesion through shared identity.
Functionalists argue that socialisation is crucial for creating social cohesion - the 'glue' that holds society together. Here's how:
Socialisation creates a shared sense of identity and belonging. When we celebrate national holidays, support the same sports teams, or follow cultural traditions, we develop bonds with others who share these experiences.
Through socialisation, we learn and internalise society's rules. When most people follow the same norms - from queuing politely to not littering - it creates predictability and trust, essential for social cohesion.
Value consensus is central to functionalist thinking. It refers to widespread agreement about what's important, right and desirable in society.
According to functionalists, value consensus:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many societies developed a temporary value consensus around protecting the vulnerable. This led to widespread compliance with restrictions and support for healthcare workers. Functionalists would see this as evidence of how shared values can emerge to help society address threats to its stability.
While functionalist ideas help us understand socialisation, they've been criticised for several reasons:
Functionalists overemphasise harmony and consensus, ignoring how socialisation can reinforce inequality and power differences.
The approach suggests we're passive recipients of socialisation, underestimating our ability to question or reject social norms.
In diverse modern societies with multiple subcultures, is a single value consensus possible or even desirable?
To functionalists, our identity isn't something we're born with - it's something we learn through socialisation. This process is essential not just for our own development, but for society's survival. By internalising shared norms and values, we contribute to social cohesion and stability.
While this perspective has limitations, it helps us understand why societies invest so heavily in socialisation processes like education and why conformity is often rewarded. Next time you automatically follow a social rule without thinking - like saying "thank you" or waiting your turn - remember that you're demonstrating the power of socialisation in shaping who you are!
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