4/7/2024 0 Comments Structural function theory![]() ![]() If you look on the board here behind me, I've sort of laid out how society can be mapped in this way. ![]() These are functions that keep the structure going. So you can think about acts that might contribute to the maintenance of a marriage, being nice to your partner, not cheating on them, being faithful, things like that. So again, it's helpful to think of these things as routines.Īnd finally, a social function is an act that contributes to the maintenance of a structure. That's a stable pattern of social behavior. Or it can also be, Americans like to watch football on Sundays. Think routine, and that can be big or small, for instance, getting married. We can define a social structure as any stable pattern of social behavior. So these parts of society then are called structures. Each part of society has a function that contributes to the maintenance of society as a whole. That's how structural-functionalists will look at society in the same way. ![]() If one of them goes away, the whole system fails. Your liver and kidneys do the purifying, things like that. You can't take away one organ and expect to still be healthy. Each organ in our bodies has a function to promote the overall well-being of our health. Again, let's return to the metaphor of our bodies to help make this clear. The structural-functional approach is a theoretical approach that sees society as a complex and interconnected system, whose individual parts work in concert to promote stability and harmony in the system as a whole. So let's just start by defining the structural-functional approach. In this lesson, we're going to be talking about the structural-functional approach in more detail. This perspective reminds us that we are all part of a larger social system that influences and is influenced by our actions.Hello, and welcome to Sociological Studies. Despite its limitations, it provides valuable insights into how different parts of society contribute to the whole. In conclusion, the structural-functional theory is a key perspective in sociology that views society as an integrated system working together for stability. For example, it can help us understand why certain rituals or traditions persist in societies, as they often serve a purpose for the social order. In sociology, the structural-functional theory can be used to explain a wide range of social phenomena. Using Structural-Functional Theory in Sociology Durkheim’s work has greatly influenced how we think about society and its functioning. He believed that society is a reality “sui generis,” or of its own kind, separate from the individuals who compose it. Famous ProponentsĮmile Durkheim, a French sociologist, is one of the most famous proponents of the structural-functional theory. It also tends to assume that all parts of society work well and for the common good, which may not always be the case. Some people argue that it overlooks social inequalities, like those based on race, class, or gender. However, like any theory, the structural-functional theory has its criticisms. Criticisms of the Structural-Functional Theory For instance, it shows us how families provide emotional support, and schools help children develop skills for their future jobs. It emphasizes the importance of social order and cooperation. One of the main strengths of the theory is its focus on the positive aspects of society. Strengths of the Structural-Functional Theory The aim is to understand how different parts contribute to the stability and order of the whole. For example, it might study the role of the family in raising children or how education prepares individuals for their future roles in society. The theory looks at various aspects of society. What Does the Structural-Functional Theory Look At? The idea is that these parts work together to keep the whole system running smoothly. Just as every organ in our body has a specific function, every part of society – whether it’s family, school, or government – serves a particular purpose. This theory considers society as a complex system, much like a human body. First, let’s unpack what the structural-functional theory means. ![]()
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