Analysis of the language techniques and thematic - University of the ...

The three concepts defined above provide a constructive basis for the study. They enable
the researcher to conduct, in depth, the study of the artists, their status and their role,
reception of their music by the audience and the effects of accordion music within the
social system. These artists have a specific function to perform within the Basotho nation
as such; they are connected to the nation through interaction. Their music career is also
guided by the values and norms of the Basotho. Artists continue to transmit the learnt
ways of using the language, thinking, feeling and cultural aspects of the Basotho. Their
main function is to provide the Basotho with music which caters for its expectations and
to retain their social structure as artists within the social system.
2.2 OVERVIEW
A consensus view of functionalism for Parsons (1999:1-3) and others is that it puts
emphasis on function, interdependence, consensus, equilibrium and evolutionary change
within a social system. They view the society as a social system that consists of different
institutions where each has a role to play for the benefit of the entire society. These
institutions are the social structures which serve the needs of the nation and bring stability
in its social life (http://uregina.ca/-gingrich/n2f99.htm). The study contends that, the five
aspects of functionalism as espoused by Parsons and others are also applicable in Basotho
accordion music. A brief overview of their applicability follows.
2.2.1 FUNCTION
The concept function entails that, different groups within the society contribute to the
operation or functioning of the system as a whole. This is so because each society has
certain needs in that there are a number of activities that must be carried out for social life
to survive and develop. If the needs are being met, it is the social structures that meet
them. For instance, goods and services must be produced and distributed in order for
people to survive. Furthermore, family structures must operate in order to provide means
to reproduce the population and maintain social life on a daily basis. In this process,
individuals carry out tasks and roles in various institutions that are consistent with the
structures and norms of the society. The social structures become functional in that they
help the society to operate.
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