Structural Differentiation

• Parsons 1951: structural differentiation - the process of specialisation that occurs with the development of industrial society
• Separate specialised institutions have developed to carry out functions previously undergone by a single institution - religion
• Religion dominated pre-industrial society but with individualisation, it has become smaller and more specialised institution
• Structural differentiation leads to the disengagement of religion from society.
• Privatisation: religion has become confined to the home and personal choice. Traditional religious symbols have lost their meaning
• Church and state are now separate. a teacher at a religious school must hold qualifications in line with the state.