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FUNCTIONALISM THEORY The fundamental question addressed by functionalists has been “How is social order possible?” The answer for functionalists is that all human societies have a system of shared symbols in common, a cultural system. Society is possible because human actors organize their behavior around shared moral standards. Smooth interaction flows from the common pool of cognitive meanings and expectations. Elements of Social Systems 1. Interdependence of elements 2. Functioning whole (organic quality) 3. Stability of the internal environment (equilibrium) 4. Maintenance of boundaries Functionalism and Deviance Emile Durkheim, “The Normal and the Pathological” Crime is normal in all societies In order for perfect uniformity of moral consciousness to exist to prevent deviance, it would be necessary for immediate physical milieu, hereditary antecedents, and social influences to be identical For crime to decrease, collective sentiments would have to become stronger. The result would be that lesser offenses would become more significant In order for change to occur, collective sentiments need to be flexible and individual originality possible Robert Dentler and Kai Erikson, “The Functions of Deviance in Groups” Groups tend to induce, sustain, and permit deviant behavior A role category will be created to accommodate individuals whose behavior is deviant The group doesn’t create motives for an individual’s deviance or compel it from persons not otherwise so disposed Deviant behavior functions to maintain group equilibrium Group Performance - As roles become organized, expectations about the relative performance of members is established. Norms locate the center of expectations continuum Group Rewards - Distribution of rewards is dependent upon recurring deviant behavior. Deviant provides contrast. Group Boundaries - Deviants make comparisons possible and give a group its identity. A group is partly distinguished by the norms it creates for handling deviance and the forms of deviance it is able to absorb and contain Groups will resist efforts to expel deviants Functions of Deviance 1. Boundary maintenance 2. Strengthening group solidarity 3. Tension release 4. Maintenance of social stability 5. Promotion of social change VIOLENCE IN ICE HOCKEY
1. Need to intimidate, test, or retaliate against opponents
1. Difficulty of detecting violations
1. Ritual -- Players drop gloves and face opponent
1. Fight prevents intimidation from going too far FUNCTIONS OF EUNUCHISM Eunuchs have been instruments of imperial rule in many classical empires Eunuchs 1. Typically recruited from young boys captured as slaves -- lost contact with family and tribeFunctions 1. Harem guards
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