Structural Functionalism

• this is a theory that supports the idea that a society is composed of different groups or structure that is co related to each other in order to supply the biological and social needs of each individual

  structural functionalism
• this theory promotes solidarity and stability in society; equilibrium


  structural functionalism
• he is a french sociologist and is one of the principal founders of modern sociology. he developed structural functionalism

  emile durkheim
• a type of functionalism: things that are put in place intentionally to keep society moving forward ex. education = to prepare for real life world

  material function
• a type of functionalism: unintended consequences from manifest functions (ex. school = friends)

  latent function
• these are the organizations in society that influence how society is structured and functions

  social institutions
• this is the most important; "building block" of society; "basic unit" of society; the primary unit through which socialization occurs


  family
• social institution that provides important knowledge: basic facts, job, skills, cultural norms, values

  education
• organized system of beliefs and practices designed to fill the human need for meaning and purpose

  religion
• responsible for maintaining order, protecting citizens from harm, and providing for the common good

  government
• what are the 7 social institutions?

  family, education, religion, government, healthcare, economy, media