Structural Functionalism

Definition

Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that views society as a complex system, where each part of the system (social institutions, cultural norms, and individual roles) works together to maintain the stability and order of the whole. It emphasizes the interdependence of social structures and their functions in sustaining the overall social system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structural functionalism views society as a living organism, where each part (social institution, cultural norm, or individual role) has a specific function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the system.
2. According to structural functionalism, social change is seen as a gradual and evolutionary process, where changes in one part of the system are balanced by changes in other parts to maintain social equilibrium.
3. Structural functionalism emphasizes the importance of social stratification, as it argues that social inequality is necessary for the efficient functioning of the social system, with each individual and group playing a specific role.
4. Structural functionalism has been criticized for its conservative bias, as it tends to justify the status quo and the existing social order, and for its inability to adequately explain social conflict and change.
5. Structural functionalism has been influential in the study of social institutions, such as the family, education, and religion, and their role in maintaining the stability and order of the social system.

Review Questions

• Explain how structural functionalism views the relationship between social institutions and the overall stability of the social system.
  • According to structural functionalism, social institutions, such as the family, education, and the economy, are interdependent parts of a larger social system. Each institution fulfills a specific function that contributes to the overall stability and order of the system. For example, the family institution is responsible for socializing children and providing emotional and material support, while the education system trains individuals to fulfill specific roles in the workforce. The smooth functioning of these institutions is essential for maintaining the equilibrium and harmony of the entire social system.
• Describe how structural functionalism's perspective on social stratification differs from other sociological theories.
  • Structural functionalism views social stratification, or the hierarchical division of society into different classes, as a necessary and functional aspect of the social system. It argues that social inequality is essential for the efficient functioning of society, as it allows individuals and groups to fulfill specialized roles and contribute to the overall stability of the system. This perspective differs from other sociological theories, such as conflict theory, which view social stratification as a source of tension and conflict within society, and seek to address issues of inequality and social justice.
• Analyze how the structural functionalist perspective on social change differs from other theoretical approaches in sociology.
  • Structural functionalism conceptualizes social change as a gradual and evolutionary process, where changes in one part of the social system are balanced by changes in other parts to maintain social equilibrium. This contrasts with other sociological theories, such as conflict theory and symbolic interactionism, which view social change as a more dynamic and often disruptive process, driven by factors such as social conflict, power struggles, and the negotiation of meaning. Structural functionalists tend to emphasize the importance of maintaining the existing social order and are often criticized for their conservative bias, as they may be reluctant to embrace or promote significant social transformations that could disrupt the functional balance of the social system.

Related terms

Social System: The interconnected parts of a society that work together to maintain stability and order, such as the economy, family, education, and political systems.

Social Equilibrium: The state of balance and harmony within a social system, where each part fulfills its function to maintain the overall stability of the system.

Social Institutions: The established and organized patterns of behavior and relationships that fulfill essential functions within a society, such as the family, education, religion, and the economy.