Structural Functionalism,

Neofunctionalism, and
Conflict Theory
bACKGROUND
These theories provide macro-level analyses,
meaning they focus on large-scale social
structures rather than individual interactions.
Structural Functionalism sees society as a stable
system.
Conflict Theory focuses on power struggles and
inequality.
Neofunctionalism attempts to address the
weaknesses of traditional functionalism by
integrating aspects of conflict and change.
bACKGROUND
Consensus Conflict

Shared norms and values as Dominance of some social groups

fundamental to society. by others

Social order as based on

Social order
manipulation and control

Social change as occurring

Social change as occurring
slowly and orderly.
rapidly and disorderly
i. structural FUNCTIONALISM
Functional Theory of Stratification
Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore
AGIL Theory/Framework
Talcott Parsons
Strain Theory of Deviance and Anomie
Robert Merton
 A. Functional theory of
stratification
Social stratification as both universal and necessary.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN BY SOCIAL

STRATIFICATION?
Social stratification
Classification of people based on socio-economic
factors such as wealth, education, gender,
ethnicity and the likes.
 so, what does it mean by social
stratification as both universal
and neccesary?
so, what does it mean by social stratification
as both universal and necessary?

Universal - No society is ever unstratified, or

totally classless.
Necessary - All societies need such a system.
 A. Functional theory of
stratification
Stratification system as a structure.

what does this mean?

 A. Functional theory of
stratification
Stratification system as a structure.

what does this mean?

Stratification refers not to the individuals in the
stratification system but rather to a system of
positions.
 How certain positions come to
MAJOR carry with them different
degrees of prestige?
CONCERN: (not on how individuals come to
occupy certain positions)
 MAJOR QUESTIONS:
How a society motivates and
places people in their “proper” positions in the
stratification system.

THIS QUESTION RESULTS TO TWO

PROBLEMS, WHAT ARE THESE?
1. How does a society instill in the “proper”
individuals the desire to fill certain positions?

2. Once people are in the right positions, how does

society then instill in them the desire to fulfill the
requirements of those positions
 A. Functional theory of
stratification
Proper social placement in society is a problem for
three basic reasons.

WHY?
A. Functional theory of stratification
Proper social placement in society is a problem for three
basic reasons.
First, some positions are more pleasant to occupy than
others.
Second, some positions are more important to the
survival of society than others.
Third, different social positions require different abilities
and talents.
A. Functional theory of stratification
Davis and Moore were concerned with the
functionally more important positions in
society.

WHY?
A. Functional theory of stratification
Davis and Moore were concerned with the functionally more
important positions in society.
The positions that rank high within the stratification system are
presumed to be those that are less pleasant to occupy but more
important to the survival of society and that require the greatest
ability and talent.

How does the society

resolve this?
A. Functional theory of stratification
The positions that rank high within the stratification system are
presumed to be those that are less pleasant to occupy but more
important to the survival of society and that require the greatest
ability and talent.

How does the society resolve this?

Society must attach sufficient rewards to these positions so
that enough people will seek to occupy them and the individuals
who do come to occupy them will work diligently.
A. Functional theory of stratification
Society must attach sufficient rewards to these positions so
that enough people will seek to occupy them and the individuals
who do come to occupy them will work diligently.

WHAT KIND OF REWARDS ARE THESE?

A. Functional theory of stratification
WHAT KIND OF REWARDS ARE THESE?
Great prestige, a high salary, and sufficient leisure.
A. Functional theory of stratification
criticisms:
It perpetuates the privileged position of those
people who already have power, prestige, and money.
It assumes that simply because a stratified social
structure existed in the past, it must continue to
exist in the future.
Its idea of functional positions varying in their
importance to society is difficult to support.
b. four functional imperatives: agil

what is “function”?
b. four functional imperatives: agil
Function - is a complex of activities
directed towards meeting a need or needs of
the system.

what are the functions necessary

for a system (society) to survive?
b. four functional imperatives: agil
Adaptation: A system must cope with
external situational exigencies. It must adapt
to its environment and adapt the environment
to its needs.
Goal attainment: A system must define and
achieve its primary goals.
b. four functional imperatives: agil
Integration: A system must regulate the
interrelationship of its component parts. It also must
manage the relationship among the other three
functional imperatives (A, G, L).
Latency (pattern maintenance): A system must
furnish, maintain, and renew both the motivation of
individuals and the cultural patterns that create and
sustain that motivation.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
A Student Organization Planning an Outreach Program
Adaptation (A) – The organization must adjust to its environment by
securing necessary resources, such as funding, materials, and venue.
They may seek sponsorships, coordinate with school officials, and
manage logistics.
Goal Attainment (G) – The organization sets clear objectives for the
outreach, such as providing educational materials to underprivileged
children or conducting a feeding program. They delegate tasks to
ensure that these goals are met.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
A Student Organization Planning an Outreach Program
Integration (I) – The leaders ensure that members work together
harmoniously. They assign roles, facilitate meetings, and resolve
conflicts among members to maintain unity and coordination.
Latency (L) – The organization reinforces shared values and
motivation among members through team-building activities,
recognition of efforts, and continuous engagement in community
service to sustain morale and commitment.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Pandemic Online Classes
Adaptation (A) – Schools and universities had to adjust by adopting
online platforms (Zoom, Google Classroom, LMS), providing gadgets and
internet access to students and teachers, and developing digital learning
strategies to cope with the new educational environment.
Goal Attainment (G) – The goal of ensuring quality education despite the
pandemic was pursued through modified curricula, flexible learning
arrangements, and alternative assessment methods (e.g., open-book
exams, asynchronous tasks). Governments and institutions provided
financial aid, scholarships, or gadgets to support students.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Pandemic Online Classes
Integration (I) – Schools ensured coordination between teachers,
students, and parents to facilitate smooth communication and learning.
Universities set up help desks, online consultations, and webinars to
support educators and students. Policies on academic integrity,
attendance, and mental health support were reinforced.
Latency (L) – To maintain motivation and well-being, universities
promoted mental health programs, student engagement activities, and
flexible policies. Cultural values like resilience, discipline, and collaboration
were emphasized to help students cope with the new learning setup.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Calamity in a Province
Adaptation (A) – The local government, emergency responders, and
residents must adjust to the disaster by mobilizing relief efforts,
evacuating affected areas, and securing food, water, and medical aid.
Infrastructure repairs and rehabilitation plans are implemented to restore
basic services like electricity and transportation.
Goal Attainment (G) – Authorities set goals to rescue survivors, provide
relief assistance, and rebuild affected communities. Disaster response
teams coordinate with national agencies and humanitarian organizations
to ensure immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Calamity in a Province
Integration (I) – Various sectors (local government, NGOs, religious groups,
businesses, and communities) must work together to distribute aid fairly,
manage evacuation centers, and prevent chaos. Clear communication and
coordination among agencies ensure effective disaster response and
minimize conflicts over resources.
Latency (L) – Cultural and social values, such as bayanihan (community
spirit), faith, and resilience, help sustain morale during difficult times.
Psychological support programs, community prayer gatherings, and rebuilding
initiatives reinforce hope and long-term recovery efforts. Disaster
preparedness education is also strengthened to prevent future losses.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Each of the functional imperatives has a corresponding system, according to
Parson.

what are these systems?

b. four functional imperatives: agil
Adaptation - Behavioral Organism
Goal attainment - Personality System
Integration - Social System
Latency - Cultural System
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
cultural system social system

Behavioral personality
organism system

Each of the lower levels provides the conditions, the energy, needed for the
higher levels. Second, the higher levels control those below them in the hierarchy.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Behavioral System (Biological and Physical Factors Affecting
Actions)
Definition: The behavioral system includes biological and
physical factors that influence human actions, such as
genetics, health, and physical needs. It connects the human
body to the broader social system.
Purpose: It ensures that individuals can function physically in
society.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Personality System (Individual Motivations and Identity)
Definition: The personality system refers to the unique
motivations, attitudes, and psychological traits of
individuals. It explains why people make certain choices
based on personal experiences and internalized values.
Purpose: It ensures that individuals develop personalities
that align with social expectations.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Social System (Interaction Among People in Society)
Definition: The social system refers to how individuals and
groups interact within a structured society. It includes
institutions (e.g., family, schools, government) that organize
behavior through rules, norms, and roles.
Purpose: It ensures that people function effectively in
society by following social status and roles.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Social System (Interaction Among People in Society)

what is “status”?

what is “role”?
b. four functional imperatives: agil
Social System (Interaction Among People in Society)
Status refers to a structural position within the
social system.
Role is what the actor does in such a position, seen
in the context of its functional significance for the
larger system.
b. four functional imperatives: agil
Cultural System (Values, Beliefs, and Norms Guiding
Behavior)
Definition: The cultural system consists of shared beliefs,
traditions, morals, and knowledge that shape society. It
gives meaning to life and influences how people behave.
Purpose: It maintains social stability by reinforcing
common values and norms.
b. four functional imperatives: agil
These four systems work together to maintain social
stability.
The social system structures interactions.
The cultural system provides values and meaning.
The personality system shapes individual motivations.
The behavioral system ensures people function
physically.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
The Family as a System:
Social System (Roles and Interactions Within the Family)
The social system refers to the structured roles and relationships
that organize how family members interact with one another.
What comprises the social system in a family?
Parents – Act as providers, caregivers, and role models.
Children – Follow household rules, attend school, and respect
authority.
Extended Family – Grandparents, aunts, and uncles who may
contribute to childcare, financial support, or moral guidance.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
The Family as a System:
Cultural System (Family Values, Traditions, and Beliefs)
The cultural system includes the values, norms, and traditions that guide family
behavior and decision-making.
What comprises the cultural system in a family?
Religious Beliefs – Family prayers, attending religious services, and practicing
faith-based customs.
Moral Teachings – Lessons on honesty, respect, and responsibility passed
down from parents to children.
Family Customs and Traditions – Celebrating holidays, passing down recipes,
and observing cultural rites.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
The Family as a System:
Personality System (Individual Development and Motivation in a
Family)
The personality system refers to how family influences the personal
growth, attitudes, and goals of its members.
What comprises the personality system in a family?
Parental Influence – The values and discipline instilled in children
shape their character.
Sibling Influence – Older siblings serve as mentors or role models for
younger ones.
Individual Aspirations – A child’s ambitions and attitudes are
influenced by family encouragement and upbringing.
 b. four functional imperatives: agil
Behavioral System (Biological and Physical Needs in the Family)
The behavioral system deals with the biological and physical well-being
of family members.
What comprises the behavioral system in a family?
Basic Needs – Providing food, clothing, and shelter for survival.
Healthcare and Physical Well-being – Ensuring proper nutrition,
hygiene, and medical attention when necessary.
Emotional and Psychological Care – Offering affection, reassurance,
and emotional support to family members.