MCQ on Functionalism with answer

Learn Functionalism with MCQs and Answers. Strengthen your sociology understanding through practice questions and detailed solutions.

Functionalism is one of the key theoretical perspectives in sociology, emphasizing how societal institutions and structures work together to maintain social stability and order. This perspective was primarily developed by Emile Durkheim and further expanded by sociologists like Talcott Parsons and Robert K. Merton. Functionalism views society as a complex system where each part serves a purpose to ensure the system's stability and continuity. Let's explore this topic through 20 multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to deepen your understanding.

1. Who is considered the founding father of Functionalism in sociology?

• A. Max Weber
• B. Karl Marx
• C. Emile Durkheim
• D. Auguste Comte

Answer: C. Emile Durkheim
Explanation:
Emile Durkheim is widely regarded as the founding father of Functionalism. He emphasized how social institutions contribute to societal stability and cohesion. His studies on social facts, collective conscience, and the role of religion laid the foundation for the functionalist perspective.

2. Which concept explains how different parts of society work together to maintain stability?

• A. Conflict Theory
• B. Symbolic Interactionism
• C. Social Solidarity
• D. Social Dysfunction

Answer: C. Social Solidarity
Explanation:
Social Solidarity refers to the bonds that unite members of a society. According to Durkheim, societies function smoothly when individuals feel connected to their social groups, contributing to overall social stability.

 

Read - 15 MCQs on Social Structure and Social Stratification: Concept and Theories

3. Who expanded Functionalism by introducing the concept of "structural-functionalism"?

• A. Robert K. Merton
• B. Talcott Parsons
• C. Herbert Spencer
• D. George Herbert Mead

Answer: B. Talcott Parsons
Explanation:
Talcott Parsons expanded Functionalism into structural-functionalism by examining how social structures function to fulfill essential needs (or "functional prerequisites") of society, ensuring stability and order.

4. According to Functionalism, education serves which primary function in society?

• A. Conflict and competition
• B. Socialization and skill development
• C. Political manipulation
• D. Economic disparity

Answer: B. Socialization and skill development
Explanation:
Functionalists view education as a means of socialization, teaching societal norms and values. It also equips individuals with the necessary skills for the workforce, contributing to social stability and cohesion.

5. Which of the following best describes "manifest functions"?

• A. Unintended and unrecognized consequences
• B. Intended and clearly recognized purposes
• C. Negative impacts on social systems
• D. None of the above

Answer: B. Intended and clearly recognized purposes
Explanation:
Manifest functions are the intended, obvious, and beneficial outcomes of social structures. For example, the manifest function of education is to provide knowledge and skills.

6. Who introduced the concepts of manifest and latent functions?

• A. Emile Durkheim
• B. Karl Marx
• C. Robert K. Merton
• D. Herbert Spencer

Answer: C. Robert K. Merton
Explanation:
Robert K. Merton distinguished between manifest functions (intended and recognized) and latent functions (unintended and hidden), expanding the analytical framework of Functionalism.

7. What are "latent functions"?

• A. Negative consequences of social systems
• B. Intended and positive outcomes
• C. Unintended and hidden consequences
• D. None of the above

Answer: C. Unintended and hidden consequences
Explanation:
Latent functions are the unrecognized and unintended consequences of social institutions. For example, schools not only educate but also create social networks among students.

8. Which term describes the negative effects of social structures?

• A. Social Function
• B. Social Dysfunction
• C. Social Solidarity
• D. Social Cohesion

Answer: B. Social Dysfunction
Explanation:
Social dysfunctions are the negative or disruptive consequences of social structures, leading to social instability. For example, unemployment can lead to crime and social unrest.

9. Functionalism views society as a system made up of...

• A. Conflicting groups
• B. Isolated individuals
• C. Interdependent parts
• D. Competing organizations

Answer: C. Interdependent parts
Explanation:
Functionalism sees society as a complex system with interdependent parts working together to maintain social order and stability, much like organs in a living organism.

10. Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Functionalism?

• A. It ignores social change and conflict.
• B. It overemphasizes social stability.
• C. It acknowledges power imbalances.
• D. It assumes all parts of society are beneficial.

Answer: C. It acknowledges power imbalances.
Explanation:
Functionalism is criticized for overlooking power dynamics and social inequalities, focusing instead on stability and cohesion. Conflict theorists argue that it ignores societal conflicts and struggles.

11. According to Functionalism, religion primarily serves which function in society?

• A. Economic growth
• B. Political manipulation
• C. Social cohesion and integration
• D. Social inequality

Answer: C. Social cohesion and integration
Explanation:
Functionalists view religion as a source of social cohesion, uniting people through shared beliefs and practices. Emile Durkheim argued that religious rituals strengthen the collective conscience and maintain social solidarity.

12. Which of the following best illustrates the functionalist view of the family?

• A. A site of class struggle
• B. A unit for economic exploitation
• C. A social institution that socializes children
• D. A platform for political activism

Answer: C. A social institution that socializes children
Explanation:
Functionalists see the family as a fundamental institution responsible for the socialization of children, ensuring cultural continuity, and providing emotional support, contributing to societal stability.

13. Who applied Functionalism to the study of deviance, suggesting that crime serves a social function?

• A. Talcott Parsons
• B. Emile Durkheim
• C. Karl Marx
• D. Max Weber

Answer: B. Emile Durkheim
Explanation:
Durkheim argued that crime and deviance are normal and necessary for social evolution. They challenge social norms, prompting societal adaptation and reinforcing social boundaries.

14. Functionalists believe that social institutions contribute to...

• A. Social conflict
• B. Social stability and equilibrium
• C. Political revolutions
• D. Economic inequality

Answer: B. Social stability and equilibrium
Explanation:
Functionalists assert that social institutions (e.g., family, education, religion) work together to maintain societal stability and equilibrium, ensuring the smooth functioning of society.

15. Which of the following is an example of a latent function of education?

• A. Teaching academic skills
• B. Developing social networks
• C. Promoting national identity
• D. Offering career training

Answer: B. Developing social networks
Explanation:
A latent function of education is the unintended consequence of creating social networks, friendships, and professional connections, influencing students' future social and career paths.

16. Which sociologist linked Functionalism to the analysis of social systems and subsystems?

• A. Herbert Spencer
• B. Talcott Parsons
• C. Karl Marx
• D. George Herbert Mead

Answer: B. Talcott Parsons
Explanation:
Talcott Parsons analyzed society as a system of interconnected subsystems (e.g., economy, polity, education), each fulfilling specific functions to maintain social order.

17. The functionalist perspective compares society to...

• A. A battlefield
• B. A machine with interdependent parts
• C. A marketplace
• D. A political arena

Answer: B. A machine with interdependent parts
Explanation:
Functionalists liken society to a machine or living organism where each part (institution) is interdependent, working together to maintain stability and social order.

18. According to Functionalism, what maintains social order and stability?

• A. Social conflict
• B. Shared norms and values
• C. Political power
• D. Economic inequality

Answer: B. Shared norms and values
Explanation:
Functionalists emphasize that shared norms, values, and beliefs maintain social order and stability, creating a collective conscience that unites society.

19. Functionalists argue that social change occurs...

• A. Abruptly through revolutions
• B. Gradually through adaptation
• C. Randomly without cause
• D. Only through conflict and power struggles

Answer: B. Gradually through adaptation
Explanation:
Functionalists believe social change is a gradual, adaptive process where institutions evolve to maintain social stability and balance, avoiding abrupt disruptions.

20. Which of the following is a criticism of Functionalism?

• A. It ignores the role of social stability
• B. It emphasizes social harmony
• C. It overlooks power dynamics and inequalities
• D. It advocates for social conflict

Answer: C. It overlooks power dynamics and inequalities
Explanation:
A major criticism of Functionalism is its inability to address power inequalities, exploitation, and social conflicts. Conflict theorists argue that it justifies the status quo and neglects social struggles.

 

Conclusion

Functionalism remains a foundational perspective in sociology, providing valuable insights into how societal institutions contribute to social order and stability. By exploring the concepts of social solidarity, manifest and latent functions, social dysfunction, and structural-functionalism, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how societies operate.