Functionalism in sociology likens society to a living organism, with each part contributing to the whole's stability. Pioneered by Durkheim, Spencer, and Parsons, it examines social institutions and their functions. The theory faces criticism for overlooking conflict and change, prompting debate and reassessment in light of alternative theories like Conflict theory and Feminist theory.
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Functionalism is a major theoretical framework in sociology that analyzes the social structure by likening society to a living organism
Émile Durkheim
Émile Durkheim's work on social solidarity and the role of collective conscience laid the groundwork for functionalist thought
Herbert Spencer
Herbert Spencer's organic analogy drew parallels between society and a biological organism, emphasizing the necessity of each part's contribution to the whole
Talcott Parsons
Talcott Parsons elaborated on the organic analogy by identifying specific subsystems within society that must function interdependently
Robert K. Merton
Robert K. Merton expanded on functionalism by differentiating between manifest and latent functions, acknowledging the positive and negative impacts of social structures on society
Functionalism has been critiqued for justifying the status quo and ignoring power differentials and conflict in society
Social institutions and practices exist to serve vital functions for the continuity of society
Value consensus refers to a set of shared values and norms that guide individual and collective behavior
Social institutions and practices work together to maintain social order and stability in society
Conflict theory views social structures as sources of inequality and conflict, with a focus on economic factors
Feminist theory critiques traditional gender roles within family structures
Symbolic interactionism suggests that society is continuously created and recreated through individual interactions and the meanings that emerge from them
Postmodernism questions the possibility of any grand narrative, such as functionalism, to describe the complexities of modern societies
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The concept of ______ consensus is central to functionalism, indicating the common values and norms that direct both individual and collective actions.
value
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Durkheim's concept of social solidarity
Durkheim introduced the idea that the interdependence of society's different parts creates social cohesion.
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Spencer's organic analogy
Spencer compared society to a living organism, where each part has a necessary function for overall health.
