Structural functionalism
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 structures that shape society as a whole, and believes that society has evolved like organisms. 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, and institutions.
A common analogy called the organic or biological analogy, popularized by Herbert Spencer, presents these parts of society as human body “organs” that work toward the proper functioning of the “body” as a whole. In the most basic terms, it simply emphasizes “the effort to impute, as rigorously as possible, to each feature, custom, or practice, its effect on the functioning of a supposedly stable, cohesive system”. For Talcott Parsons, “structural-functionalism” came to describe a particular stage in the methodological development of social science, rather than a specific school of thought.
Structural functionalism is a sociological framework that views society as a complex system where parts work together to promote stability and solidarity. It likens society to a living organism, with social institutions like the family, government, and education acting as organs that perform essential functions to meet the needs of the whole. Key figures include Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons, who emphasized consensus and how social structures and their functions contribute to social order.
Core concepts
- Social structure: Predictable patterns of social behavior, such as roles and institutions, that shape our lives.
- Social function: The consequences of a social pattern for the operation of society as a whole.
- Manifest functions: The recognized and intended consequences of a social institution.
- Latent functions: The unrecognized and unintended consequences.
- Dysfunctions: Social patterns that have negative consequences for society.
- Social solidarity: The social ties that bind a group together.
- Equilibrium: The theory posits that society tends toward a state of balance, and that major social change is a slow, orderly process.
Functions of social institutions
- Education: Socializes individuals, transmits knowledge, and places them in social roles.
- Family: Provides for new members and meets the biological and social needs of its members.
- Religion: Creates solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs.
- Government: Provides order and security.
Criticisms
- Ignores conflict: The theory is often criticized for downplaying or ignoring social conflict, inequality, and power struggles.
- Bias towards stability: Critics argue that it may have a conservative bias and struggles to explain rapid social change.
- Fails to account for individual agency: It can neglect the impact of individual actions and the micro-level interactions that shape society.
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[8] https://uregina.ca/~gingrich/n2202.htm
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[12] https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/structural-functionalism
[14] https://fiveable.me/key-terms/intro-to-sociology/structural-functionalism
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