Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by Karl Thompson
Pictures are a powerful tool for simplifying key concepts in A-level sociology. In this post I select what I think are some of the most relevant pictures which represent some of the key concepts relevant to the Functionalist perspective on society.
The Organic Analogy/ society as a system
Institutions in society work together, like organs in a body
Social Structure
Society’s Structure is made up of institutions
Social Facts
Durkheim theorized that social facts were ways of thinking, feeling and acting which were external to the individual and which constrained the individual.
Value Consensus
Society is based on shared values
Social Evolution
Societies gradually become more complex over time.
Mechanical and Organic Solidarity
Functional Fit Theory
The nuclear family emerged to ‘fit’ industrial society
Socialisation
Individuals learn the norms and values of society, within institutions
Stabilisation of Adult Personalities
Traditional gender roles within the nuclear family provide necessary emotional and psychological support for individuals.
Meritocracy
Individuals are rewarded on the basis of effort + ability. Both meritocracy and role allocation are key ideas in the Functionalist perspective on education.
Role Allocation
Where the exam system ‘sifts’ people into appropriate jobs based on their level of achievement
Social Integration
The more connections people have to others and institutions within society, the more integrated they are.
Social Regulation
Social regulation is the extent to which there are clear norms and value (‘rules’) which guide people in life.
Anomie
Anomie is a state of normlessness, brought on by rapid social change or breakdown. Lack of social integration or regulation can both lead to anomie
Functionalism in pictures final thoughts
This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of concepts, or definitive definitions, the idea of this post is to ‘simplify to the extreme’. For more in depth posts on Functionalism, please follow the links on my Theory and Methods page!