Structural Functionalism - 1448 Words

Structural functionalism, or simply functionalism, is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.[1] This approach looks at society through a macro-level orientation, which is a broad focus on the social structures that shape society as a whole, and believes that society has evolved like organisms.[2] This approach looks at both social structure and social functions. Functionalism addresses society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements; namely norms, customs, traditions, andinstitutions. A common analogy, popularized by Herbert Spencer, presents these parts of society as organs that work toward the proper functioning of the†¦show more content†¦Society was in upheaval and fear abounded. At the time social order was crucial, and this is reflected in Parsons tendency to promote equilibrium and social order rather than social change. Furthermore, Durkheim favored a radical form of guild socialism along with functionalist explanations. Also, Marxism, while acknowledging social contradictions, still uses functionalist explanations. Parsons evolutionary theory describes the differentiation and reintegration systems and subsystems and thus at least temporary conflict before reintegration (ibid). The fact that functional analysis can be seen by some as inherently conservative and by others as inherently radical suggests that it may be inherently neither one nor the other. (Merton 1957: 39) Stronger criticisms include the epistemological argument that functionalism is tautologous, that is it attempts to account for the development of social institutions solely through recourse to the effects that are attributed to them and thereby explains the two circularly. However, Parsons drew directly on many of Durkheim’s concepts in creating his theory. Certainly Durkheim was one of the first theorists to explain a phenomenon with reference to the function it served for society. He said, â€Å"the determination of function is†¦necessary for the complete explanation of the phenomena† [cited in Coser,Show MoreRelatedConflict Theory Vs. Structural Functionalism978 Words   |  4 PagesConflict Theory vs. Structural Functionalism, this is like a fight between conservative and liberal. Structural Functionalism is a sociological theory that focuses on the structures of society and their functional significance (positive and negative consequences) for other structure s (Ritzer, 2013). In another word, Structural Functionalism focuses on hierarchy, high position in the society. The theory is based on the belief that a person who held a high position like doctor or lawyer should getRead MoreStructural Functionalism And Its Impact On Society Essay911 Words   |  4 PagesStructural functionalism â€Å"is a macro-level theory that views a society as a complete unit† (Grand Canyon). Structural functionalism shows how society works together. It also brings out the individual roles, stricter and functions that people in society have. In our book figure 2.1 displays a few examples. It has politics listed as the structure and their function is to maintain order and control. The world works with this theory because you need the ones in the structural positions to be able toRead MoreGeorge Peter Murdocks Theory Of Structural Functionalism953 Words   |  4 Pages In the theory of Structural Functionalism, one believes that society is made up of many parts which depend on each other to work and if one fails, all will fail. Imagine the body; each organ has a set function. If the heart stopped doing what it was supposed to be doing and tried to digest your food, what would happen? Functionalists consider family as an essential building block of society. This is an analogy to decide that if one part of society actually starts failing, the society dies. GeorgeRead MoreStructural Functionalism And Functional Theory Essay1187 Words   |  5 PagesStructural Functionalism (SF) theory often referred to as Structural Function Theory or Functional Theory, no matter what name is used, the main context of the theory remains the same. There are many existent interpretations of the theory, however according to Smith and Hamon (2012) SF theory is based on two basic assumptions agreed by all: (a) â€Å"the functions of families is to procreate and socialize children† and (b) â€Å"all systems have functions† (p. 44). Additionally, they further elaborate on functionalRead MoreStructural Functionalism And Structural Theory782 Words   |  4 PagesStructural functionalism is a macro level approach to study sociology (Browning, 2015). Structural functionalists believe social consensus is what holds society together; social consensus being a condition in which most members of the society agree on what would be good for everyone. Structural functionalists view society as a web of social structures, each structure being functional to fulfill it’s own needs, but dependent on all other structures for survival (Vago, 2012). The Criminal Justice systemRead MoreEmergence Of Structural Functionalism. Structural Functionalist1402 Words   |  6 Pagesof Structural Functionalism Structural functionalist theories are grounded in the thought that society and family are congenial entities and, as such, the harmony between the two is the natural state of people, as found in Leeder (2004). Structural functionalism, and the viewing of the family as a social system, is at the core of the family process and other theories. To understand structural-functionalism, we must first understand the coalescing theories in which it is rooted, functionalism andRead Morestructural functionlism theory1903 Words   |  8 Pages QUESTION BY USING THE STRUCTURAL- FUNCTIONALIST THEORY, DISCUSS PROBLEMS FACING OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES IN ZAMBIA In any political system are structures that have different functions to ensure an effective and smooth running of things in that particular political system. This is why this essay will discuss the problems faced by opposition political parties in Zambia using the structural functionalist theory. First it will explain what structural functionalism is, then it will define structuresRead MoreCronic Hunger Essay866 Words   |  4 PagesIn Sociology Chronic hunger is associated with poverty and economic inequality. There are three main theoretical perspectives in sociology, structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. These theoretical perspectives all give ideas and reasons to the nature, causes, and consequences of poverty and economic inequality. The structural- functionalist perspective believes poverty occurs from institutional breakdown. Economic institutions that fail to provide the necessitiesRead MoreTalcott Parsons And Structural Functionalism1428 Words   |  6 Pages Structural functionalism, or simply functionalism, is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. This approach looks at society through a macro-level orientation, which is a broad focus on the social structure that shape society as a whole, and believes that society has evolved like organisms. This approach looks at both social structure and social institutions. A common analogy, popularized by Herbert SpencerRead MoreStructural Functionalism : A Sociological Perspective1096 Words   |  5 Pagespeople view the world differently; either as structural functionalism, conflict theory, or symbolic interactionism. Each one of these refer to the world inversely. Some view the world as situations just work out, or it is continuously in conflict, or the world is just primarily a place where people have relationships. Structural functionalism best describes the view of the world and varies roles that are played by different people. Structural functionalism is a theory that views society as a complete