Functionalist Perspective

Definition

The functionalist perspective is a theoretical framework in sociology that views society as a complex system with interconnected parts, each of which serves a specific function to maintain the overall stability and order of the system. This perspective emphasizes the role of social institutions, structures, and processes in meeting the functional needs of society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The functionalist perspective views culture as a system of interconnected parts that work together to meet the needs of society.
2. Functionalists believe that socialization is essential for maintaining social order and stability, as it helps individuals internalize societal norms and values.
3. From a functionalist perspective, deviance and crime serve a purpose in society by reinforcing social norms and boundaries, and allowing for the development of social control mechanisms.
4. Functionalists see media and technology as serving important functions in society, such as providing information, entertainment, and a platform for cultural transmission.
5. Functionalists view social stratification as a necessary and functional aspect of society, as it helps to ensure that the most important positions are filled by the most qualified individuals.

Review Questions

• Explain how the functionalist perspective views the role of culture in society.
  • The functionalist perspective sees culture as a system of interconnected parts that work together to meet the functional needs of society. From this view, cultural elements like beliefs, values, norms, and traditions serve important purposes in maintaining social order, promoting social integration, and ensuring the continuation of the social system. Functionalists argue that cultural practices and institutions, such as religion, education, and the family, all contribute to the overall stability and functioning of the larger society.
• Describe how the functionalist perspective understands the role of socialization in society.
  • Functionalists believe that socialization is essential for maintaining social order and stability. They argue that the process of socialization helps individuals internalize societal norms, values, and expectations, which in turn ensures that they will behave in ways that support the existing social structure. Functionalists see socialization as a key mechanism for transmitting cultural knowledge and promoting conformity, which they view as necessary for the smooth functioning of society. They emphasize the role of primary socializing agents, such as the family and education system, in shaping individuals to fulfill their societal roles and contribute to the overall well-being of the social system.
• Analyze how the functionalist perspective would explain the purpose of deviance and crime in society.
  • From a functionalist perspective, deviance and crime serve important functions in society. Functionalists argue that the existence of deviance and crime helps to reinforce social norms and boundaries, as the punishment and social control of deviant behavior strengthens the collective conscience and promotes conformity. Additionally, functionalists suggest that deviance can have latent functions, such as stimulating social change, creating cohesion within groups, and allowing for the development of social control mechanisms. By this view, deviance and crime, while disruptive, ultimately contribute to the overall stability and functioning of the social system.

Related terms

Social Equilibrium: The idea that society naturally seeks to maintain a state of balance and stability, with each part of the system working together to support the whole.

Manifest and Latent Functions: Manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of social phenomena, while latent functions are the unintended and often hidden consequences.

Structural Functionalism:

A specific approach within the functionalist perspective that focuses on how the various parts of a social system, such as institutions and roles, contribute to the overall functioning of society.