Structural Functionalism

Basics

• Macro-level analysis (big picture)• Predominantly European• Classic theory (1800-1950)• Leading Sociologists– Comte, Durkheim, Spencer, Parsons, Merton,

Almond & Powell• Optimistic theoretical framework

Definition

• A sociological view of society as a complex unit made up of interrelated parts that work together to promote solidarity and stability.

• Sociologists who apply this theory study social structures and social functions.

Assumptions

• Stability– Social patterns contribute to society and that is how

society is maintained, how it survives• Harmony– Parts of society work together for the good of the

whole• Evolution– Social structure adapts to new needs and demands,

if it is dysfunctional for society it will be eliminated

Analogy

• Consider society as a living organism—all of the parts work together for the good of the whole– Human body: liver, heart, lungs, brain all work

together to maintain optimal health– When illness occurs, the body attempts to repair

itself to regain balance

Deeper Understanding

• Human nature is the problem• Social structures and culture keep people from

destroying themselves, it is these “parts” that keep society functional

• Conflict is caused by human nature• Social organization is the solution

Example: children are born selfish and would remain so, eventually destroying themselves if families, schools, churches etc., were not there to teach them restraint, moderation and cooperation

Functionalist Questions

• What social structures are involved?• What cultural meanings are involved?• What are the consequences of this social

structure?• What are the consequences of this cultural

meaning?• Does this social structure and cultural

meaning contribute to social stability?

Social Structures or Institutions

• Social structures are relatively stable patterns of behaviour – Friendship Networks– Education– Family– Religion– Governance– Healthcare– Sports & Recreation– Media

Example: Drug Use• Social structures– Family and/or friends who use drugs– Family and/or friends who do not use drugs– Police

• Cultural Meanings– Laws (how are they interpreted?)– Government (how is it perceived)– Police (how do they enforce laws?)

• Social Stability– Do these structures and meanings maintain or destroy

social equilibrium?

Social Functions

• Functionalist theory assumes that society is comprised of many social structures that perform social functions to maintain stability

• Manifest Functions (positive)– Intended consequences of social structure

• Latent Functions (positive)– Unintended or unrecognized consequences of a social

structure• Dysfunction (negative)– Undesirable consequences of a social structure

Example of Social Functions: Education

• Manifest Function– educate children

• Latent Function– daycare for children which enables parents to go to

work

• Dysfunction– high school drop-outs

Social Institutions

• Institutions = social structure + culture– Designed to meet human needs– Provide routine patterns for dealing with problems

• Institutional Interdependence– Norms and values are reinforced because each

institution has compatible expectations– Example: being on time is valued by the

workplace, school system, friends, family, church

University of Wisconsin interactive

Functionalism and Change

• Social structures exist because they in some way contribute to maintenance of society

• Society maintains an equilibrium or harmony and if forced out of that state will adjust in ways that tend to reinstate equilibrium (though not necessarily the original equilibrium)

• Change is generated mainly from outside the system or is brought on by dysfunction

Critique of Functionalism

Advantages• Useful for macro-level

research on social issues

• Valuable foundation for further studies in sociology

• Optimistic view

Disadvantages• Values stability over all

else• Assumes consensus• Cannot explain rapid

social change or societal breakdown

• Not based on empirical findings

Crime - The Functionalist View• Crime and deviance are inevitable and necessary• Crime shows other member of the society what is right and

wrong• Social consensus decides how right and wrong is determined• Crime can lead to social change because the existence of

crime proves to the people in the society that the government does not overly control the citizens

• Crime can also help the economy of a society by creating jobs for law enforcement officers, psychiatrists, probation officers etc.

• Too much crime can be bad for the group, causing it to lose harmony and eventually causing the society to collapse.

Divorce- The Functionalist View

• In small groups, use the functionalist framework to explain the rise in the divorce rate since 1900.

• Consider social structures (family, economy, the workplace, education…)

• Is marriage now a dysfunction?

Hint from the 1800sOn the farm where most people lived, each family member had jobs or “chores” to do. The wife was in charge not only of household tasks but also of raising small animals, such as chickens. Milking cows, collecting eggs, and churning butter were also her responsibility—as were cooking, baking, canning, sewing, darning, washing, and cleaning. The daughters helped her.

The husband was responsible for caring for large animals, such as horses and cattle, for planting and harvesting, and for maintaining buildings and tools. The sons helped him.

Together, they formed an economic unit in which each depended on the others for survival.