Functionalism

• Functionalism is a structural theory.
• structural theory means individuals are shaped by society and society is more important than the individual.
• Structural theories assume individuals are passive and passively conform in society
• 'macro' theory; 'top-down' theory;
• functionalists see order and predictability as the key to understanding society.
• Durkheim- a key Functionalist thinker. Durkheim referred to the shared norms and values in society as the 'collective conscience'.
• The social institutions are the structures which make up society.
• society is dependant on value consensus to enable people in society to co-operate to achieve its goals.
• Functionalists argue the purpose of the social institutions is to:

  • socialise the individual to the norms and values.
  • benefit society as a whole.
  • promote consensus, which leads to social order.
• Social institutions include:

  • Education
  • Family
  • work
  • politics
  • media
  • religion
  • law & government
  • Healthcare
  • The Economy
• Criticisms of Functionalism:

  1. Ignores conflict in society(Terrorism, Crime, War...)
  2. Assumes we are all passive individuals who are shaped by society and socialisation.(What about individual action?)
  3. Overemphasises the idea we all share the same value consensus.(People's socialisation may vary based on various factors. I.e. social class, education, religion-Functionalism ignores individual views on society.