among the general public.
             Functionalism as it is known argues that society exists in a state of equilibrium and if this is the case then there is no pressure to radically change any of the structures that are already in place. Talcott Parsons (1902-79) identified the four sub-systems in society which are, Goal Attainment; meaning that society needs to set goals for their members to achieve, this required a political body to make decisions. Adaptation; societies must adapt to their changing environment, this requires social organisation. Integration; society needs to include all members and become a cohesive force, this again requires some form of authority. Pattern Maintenance; society needs to be maintained, this is done through education and socialisation on children. Parsons claimed that the structures already in place fulfil these needs and are therefore functional.
             It is seen by functionalists that everyone requires to fulfil a particular 'role' in society, the 'role' of an individual is usually defined by their job. An individual must play their role because if not then others will be affected. This is the theory that everyone is dependant on everyone else, for example a student needs a desk to study on which requires a carpenter, the carpenter needs wood which requires a lumberjack and the lumberjack needs a saw which requires someone to make it. This reliance on other people stretches throughout society and that is why everyone must play a role. Again for functionalists it is seen that this is been done effectively so there is no need for radical change. It is believed that systems like the police force are mandatory because if people were allowed to act in any which way they want the world would be plunged into chaos.
             The consensus theory is still the basis of modern society although it has been challenged by people over the years. The two main groups that preach the 'conflict theory' ar...