Structural Functionalism

Definition

Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that views society as a complex system, with each part of the system (such as the family, education, religion, etc.) functioning to maintain the stability and order of the whole. It focuses on how the different structures and institutions within a society work together to meet the needs of individuals and the overall social system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Structural functionalism views society as a living organism, where each part (institution, role, etc.) has a function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the system.
2. The theory emphasizes the interdependence of social structures and how they work together to meet the needs of individuals and maintain social order.
3. Structural functionalists believe that social change should be gradual and incremental, as rapid change can disrupt the delicate balance of the social system.
4. The theory has been criticized for its conservative bias, as it tends to justify the status quo and may overlook issues of inequality and conflict within a society.
5. Structural functionalism has been influential in the study of kinship systems, religion, and other social institutions, as it provides a framework for understanding how these structures contribute to the overall functioning of a society.

Review Questions

• How does structural functionalism view the role of social institutions in maintaining social order?
  • Structural functionalism views social institutions, such as the family, education, religion, and the economy, as interdependent parts of a larger social system. Each institution has a specific function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the society. For example, the family is responsible for socializing children and providing emotional and material support, while the education system prepares individuals for their roles in the workforce. By fulfilling these functions, the social institutions work together to maintain social order and meet the needs of individuals within the system.
• Explain how structural functionalism relates to the concept of cultural analysis and the paradoxes of culture.
  • Structural functionalism provides a framework for understanding how cultural elements, such as beliefs, values, and practices, contribute to the overall functioning and stability of a society. From this perspective, cultural elements are seen as serving specific functions within the social system, helping to meet the needs of individuals and maintain social order. However, the theory has been criticized for its inability to fully account for the paradoxes and complexities of culture, such as the ways in which cultural elements can both support and undermine social stability, or how cultural change can disrupt the delicate balance of the social system.
• Discuss how structural functionalism influences the anthropological approach to understanding kinship systems and symbolic/sacred spaces.
  • Structural functionalism has been influential in the anthropological study of kinship systems and the role of symbolic and sacred spaces within a society. Kinship systems, which define familial relationships and obligations, are seen as serving important functions in maintaining social order and meeting the needs of individuals. Similarly, the study of symbolic and sacred spaces, such as religious sites or cultural landmarks, can be understood through the lens of structural functionalism, which examines how these spaces contribute to the overall functioning and stability of the social system. Anthropologists using a structural functionalist approach may focus on how these cultural elements help to reinforce social norms, foster a sense of community, and provide meaning and purpose for individuals within the society.

Related terms

Functionalism:

A theoretical perspective in sociology that views society as a complex system, with each part of the system contributing to its stability and functioning.

Social Structure: The organized set of social institutions, social relationships, social positions, and social roles that together compose a society.

Social System: A set of interconnected parts that work together to maintain a state of equilibrium and order within a society.