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Social TheoriesFunctionalism

Functionalists believe that everything and everybody in society has a ROLE (a function) that makes society to run smoothly.

+Example:

The HUMAN BODY

The organs of a human body work together to keep us alive.

Each organ has a FUNCTION. Each organ works interdependently to help us move, think, breath, eat, pump blood, etc.

If all of our organs are working properly and doing their ROLE, we function “normally”.

Also, all of our natural organs and body parts have a purpose to keep us functioning.

Examples?

+Key Theorists:

Emile Durkheim One of the original and traditional sociologists Dealt heavily with Organic Solidarity – a type of

Functionalism

TalcottParsons Contemporary sociologist/functionalist

+Functionalism: Key Words

Function: The different parts of each society contribute positively to

the operation or functioning of the system as a whole

•Institutions: •Functionalist analysis looks on social systems as having certain needs, and society as a system of social structures/institutions (economic, legal, educational). If the needs are being met, then it is the social structures that meet these needs. The structures are thus functional in the sense that they help society to operate. Interconnections exist within and among these structures, and individuals and groups are constrained by these structures.

Interdependence Since society is composed of different parts, and the proper

operation of these parts is necessary to the smooth operation of society as a whole, the interdependence of the parts is an important feature of functional analysis.

The roles taken on by people, and the institutions and organizations of society are all interdependent.

A change in any one part affects others, requiring other parts to take account of the changes, modify its actions, and adapt to any changes necessary.

So, dysfunctions can occur in a functional society, however all parts of society will have to adjust and adapt to create a new working/functional society once again.

Interdependence and Equilibrium Functionalism attempts to explain the relationship of

different parts of the system to each other, and to the whole.

These parts work together in an orderly manner, without great conflict. The different parts are usually in equilibrium, or moving toward equilibrium, with consensus rather than conflict governing the inter-relationships of the various parts.

+ Macro The focus is macro-sociological, with institutions and

structures existing in the society as a whole.

Consensus – Norms and Values A consensus exists within the social system. Individual behaviour is governed by social norms(most

consistent behaviour in society)or rules that are generally accepted and agreed upon.

These norms and values are consistent with the equilibrium state of society, or normal state of affairs.

There are aspects of these norms that return the society to a normal state of affairs in the case of a disturbance – for example, sanctions, punishment, social approval, and social disapproval.