Sociology – theory and methods
10 mark questions with model answers and all possible points
Key things AQA is looking for:
- Two clear points
- Explanation of each one
- Some detail eg theories, sociologists
- NO evaluation
1. Outline and explain two functionalist views of society
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Model answer:
“One functionalist view of society is that it operates like a biological organism, where
different institutions work together to maintain social stability. This is known as the organic
analogy, a concept developed by Emile Durkheim and later expanded by Talcott Parsons. Just
like organs in the body perform specific functions to keep a person alive, institutions like the
family, education, and religion perform functions that help maintain the stability and smooth
running of society. For example, the education system teaches shared norms and values,
helping to create value consensus — a shared agreement on what is important — which is
essential for social order.
Another functionalist view is that society is based on a meritocratic system where individuals
are rewarded based on talent and effort. This view, supported by Davis and Moore, argues
that social inequality is necessary to motivate people to train for and perform the most
important roles, such as doctors or lawyers. The education system is seen as sorting
individuals into roles based on ability through exams and qualifications — a process known
,as role allocation. This ensures that the most talented people fill the most functionally
important jobs, which helps society function effectively and maintain social order.”
10/10
What makes this a top band answer?
- Two clear and distinct functionalist views
- Clear explanation with examples
- Use of key terms and sociologists/theorists
- Connection between ideas
- Stays within functionalist theories NO evaluation
Other points you could have included:
Society as a System (Organic Analogy)
Talcott Parsons: Society works like a biological organism — each
institution (family, education, religion) functions like an organ.
All parts are interdependent — if one fails, the system is disrupted.
Value Consensus
Durkheim & Parsons: Society is based on shared norms and values.
Institutions (especially education and religion) teach these values.
This creates social solidarity and social cohesion.
Social Order and Stability
Functionalists believe social order is maintained through norms,
values, and socialisation.
Durkheim: collective conscience binds individuals together.
Socialisation
Primary and secondary socialisation integrate individuals into
society.
Family (primary agent) teaches core norms.
Education, religion, and media reinforce them.
, Functional Prerequisites (Parsons)
Parsons said society must meet 4 basic needs (AGIL system):
Adaptation: meeting material needs (e.g., economy)
Goal attainment: setting goals (e.g., government)
Integration: keeping harmony (e.g., law/legal system)
Latency: pattern maintenance (e.g., family, religion)
Meritocracy & Role Allocation
Davis and Moore: Society is meritocratic — individuals are rewarded
based on ability.
Inequality is functional: it motivates people to fill the most important
roles.
Education “sorts” people into roles based on ability (role allocation).
Functionalism and Crime (Durkheim)
Durkheim: Crime is normal and necessary.
Functions of crime:
o Boundary maintenance
o Social change
o Safety valve (minor deviance relieves pressure)
o Warning device (signals issues in institutions)
Social Institutions as Functional
Family: stabilises adult personalities (Parsons) + primary
socialisation
Education: bridges family and wider society (Parsons – particularistic
to universalistic values)
Religion: creates social solidarity and collective conscience
(Durkheim – totemism)
10 mark questions with model answers and all possible points
Key things AQA is looking for:
- Two clear points
- Explanation of each one
- Some detail eg theories, sociologists
- NO evaluation
1. Outline and explain two functionalist views of society
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
__________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Model answer:
“One functionalist view of society is that it operates like a biological organism, where
different institutions work together to maintain social stability. This is known as the organic
analogy, a concept developed by Emile Durkheim and later expanded by Talcott Parsons. Just
like organs in the body perform specific functions to keep a person alive, institutions like the
family, education, and religion perform functions that help maintain the stability and smooth
running of society. For example, the education system teaches shared norms and values,
helping to create value consensus — a shared agreement on what is important — which is
essential for social order.
Another functionalist view is that society is based on a meritocratic system where individuals
are rewarded based on talent and effort. This view, supported by Davis and Moore, argues
that social inequality is necessary to motivate people to train for and perform the most
important roles, such as doctors or lawyers. The education system is seen as sorting
individuals into roles based on ability through exams and qualifications — a process known
,as role allocation. This ensures that the most talented people fill the most functionally
important jobs, which helps society function effectively and maintain social order.”
10/10
What makes this a top band answer?
- Two clear and distinct functionalist views
- Clear explanation with examples
- Use of key terms and sociologists/theorists
- Connection between ideas
- Stays within functionalist theories NO evaluation
Other points you could have included:
Society as a System (Organic Analogy)
Talcott Parsons: Society works like a biological organism — each
institution (family, education, religion) functions like an organ.
All parts are interdependent — if one fails, the system is disrupted.
Value Consensus
Durkheim & Parsons: Society is based on shared norms and values.
Institutions (especially education and religion) teach these values.
This creates social solidarity and social cohesion.
Social Order and Stability
Functionalists believe social order is maintained through norms,
values, and socialisation.
Durkheim: collective conscience binds individuals together.
Socialisation
Primary and secondary socialisation integrate individuals into
society.
Family (primary agent) teaches core norms.
Education, religion, and media reinforce them.
, Functional Prerequisites (Parsons)
Parsons said society must meet 4 basic needs (AGIL system):
Adaptation: meeting material needs (e.g., economy)
Goal attainment: setting goals (e.g., government)
Integration: keeping harmony (e.g., law/legal system)
Latency: pattern maintenance (e.g., family, religion)
Meritocracy & Role Allocation
Davis and Moore: Society is meritocratic — individuals are rewarded
based on ability.
Inequality is functional: it motivates people to fill the most important
roles.
Education “sorts” people into roles based on ability (role allocation).
Functionalism and Crime (Durkheim)
Durkheim: Crime is normal and necessary.
Functions of crime:
o Boundary maintenance
o Social change
o Safety valve (minor deviance relieves pressure)
o Warning device (signals issues in institutions)
Social Institutions as Functional
Family: stabilises adult personalities (Parsons) + primary
socialisation
Education: bridges family and wider society (Parsons – particularistic
to universalistic values)
Religion: creates social solidarity and collective conscience
(Durkheim – totemism)
