Structural Functionalism is a
framework for building
theory that sees society as a
complex system whose parts
work together to promote
solidarity and stability.
The structural-functional approach is a perspective in sociology that sees society as a
complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. It asserts
that our lives are guided by social structures, which are relatively stable patterns of
social behavior. Social structures give shape to our lives - for example, in families, the
community, and through religious organizations. And certain rituals, such as a
handshake or complex religious ceremonies, give structure to our everyday lives. Each
social structure has social functions, or consequences for the operation of society as a
whole. Education, for example, has several important functions in a society, such as
socialization, learning. Functionalism also states that society is like an organism, made
up of different parts that work together.
functional dysfunctional
functional explanations are a type of explanation offered in the natural and social
sciences. In giving these explanations, researchers appeal to the functions that a Dysfunctions are disruptions in society and its parts that threaten
structure or system has. For instance, a biologist might say, “The kidney has the social stability. Dysfunctions can be found throughout society in
function of eliminating waste products from the bloodstream.” Or a sociologist might large and small-scale ways. Crime can bring dysfunction to
say, “The purpose of monogamy is to preserve the family structure.” Each of these is communities. Divorce and abuse can bring dysfunction to families.
concerned with a function that a structure or system is believed to possess. Littering can bring dysfunction to our environment.
Philosophical interest in this issue concerns understanding what exactly these
statements amount to, and whether they are explanatory. Of particular concern is
whether such statements commit us to problematic views about the existence of
teleology, or purposes, in nature, and whether this is legitimate in the sciences.
manifest function latent function
- are - are consequences
consequences that are unintended
that are intended and often hidden
and commonly
recognized
Max Weber
5 Situations are Facing an Actor
1. Conformity
Some common
examples of the
Occurs when an individual has the conformity bias in
real life include: A
means and desire to achieve the person going to
work dresses in the
cultural goals socialized into him same style as
colleagues in order
a person's desire to fit in with a social to fit in. A college
group can interfere with the ability to student takes drugs
make moral or safe decisions. One because they don't
example is when a person drinks and want to appear
'boring' when all their
drives because friends do it, or
friends are doing it.
because friends assure that person he
or she can safely do so
5 Situations are Facing an Actor
1. Innovation
Innovation can refer to something new,
such as an invention, or the practice
of developing and introducing new
things. An innovation is often a new
product, but it can also be a new way of
doing something or even a new way of
thinking.
5 Situations are Facing an Actor
1. Ritualism
Occurs when an individual continues to do things
as prescribed by society but forfeits the
achievement of the goals. ritualism is when
someone rejects the traditional goals of the
larger societal culture but accepts the means by
which the goals are achieved. An example of this
is students who graduate from high school
without career plans but attend a college or
university anyways, because that is what is
expected. Another sample is a politician who is
expected to give some money in exchange for a
vote.
5 Situations are Facing an Actor
1. Retreatism
Involves the rejection of both the
culturally prescribed goals as well as the
conventional means of attaining them.
An example of retreatism could be someone
who does not live in a typical home or has a
9-5 job, lives on the street, and mostly
withdraws from society. This decision could
be rooted in an underlying belief that they are
incapable of achieving typical goals or a lack of
inclination to achieve those goals.
5 Situations are Facing an Actor
1. Rebellion
A combination of the rejection of
societal goals and means and a
substitution of other goals and means.
ebellion in society include terrorism, mass
shootings, and large-scale protests. One
theory is that tragic events take place
because certain people feel marginalized or
excluded from society. A specific example is
the Stonewall Riots that led to the Gay Rights
Movement that took place in 1969.
- is a method of socioeconomic analysis that uses a
materialist interpretation of historical development to
understand class relations and social conflict, as well as a
dialectical perspective to view social transformation.
Communist Manifesto
Father of Marxist theory
- is a methodology used that focuses on human
societies and their development through history,
arguing that history is the result of material
conditions rather than ideals.
- is a philosophy of science and nature developed
in Europe and based on the writings of Marx and
Engels.
Symbolic interaction was conceived by
1
"Humans act toward things based on the meanings they ascribe to those
things."
2
"The meaning of such things is derived from, or arises out of, the social
interaction that one has with others and the society."
3
"These meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretative
process used by the person in dealing with the things he/she encounters."