functionalists believe in social solidarity
social solidarity is the unity of class or group that is based on shared interests, objectives, values etc.
the organic analogy is the idea that society can be looked at like a human body
Parsons suggested rhat youth is like a prolonged rite of passage. youth helps to bridge the gap between the stages of going from a child to becoming an adult
Eisenstadts theory suggests that the role of youth is to integrate young people into society. our peer group helps us to deal with our stress as they can sympathise with us. youth gives us an opportunity to learn from our mistakes.