Functionalist View On Society

Sociology is the study the different aspects of humanity and society. It encompasses a very broad and varying range of topics. It can be studied on a large world-wide scale spanning across several countries, which is called Macrosociology. It can also be studied on a small scale looking at only individual families or neighborhoods, which is called Microsociology. Not only does it peer into humans’ interactions with each other but examines why they act the way they do. It considers the environment, as well as how access to different luxuries can contribute to the people that we become. In this fascinating field there are three primary views on exactly what the fundamental driving force behind society is. Symbolic Interactionalism, the belief that symbols and the meaning that they are given, define how we will perceive life, in this philosophy these meanings are influenced by society and the events of individual lives. Functional Analysis, views society as any other organism, in this theory all parts of the whole must work together cohesively to function. Conflict theory takes a somewhat opposite view than Functionalism, this perspective suggests that rather than wanting to work in unison, society’s underlying motive is a power struggle for resources. Over the course of this paper the reader will explore these different perspectives.

In the world of sociology there are many different ways that humans interact with the world. Although we are all human beings, we do not always see the world the same way that others do. Even though not many are aware of the different ways they can see the world, there are three sociological perspectives. Using structural functionalism, the conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism one will be able to decide which view best represents the way they see this world. When asked about my perspective on the world, I view it using the conflict theory due to the examples that society gives us based on events that happen frequently. Even though all three of these theories are socially correct, the conflict theory defines my view of the world more than structural functionalism and symbolic interaction.

There are three theories that sociologist hold responsible to explain and describe what’s going on in the world. The three theories are functionalist theory, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism theory. Each theory has a different perspective for how the world works. Functionalist look at different parts of society to see how each part of society can function effectively. By looking at different parts of society functionalist try to achieve balance and harmony. The conflict theory sees society as being in a competition for scarce resources. Conflict theorists consider everything that is limited not just money. Lastly, the Symbolic interactionism theory sees society as being recreated everyday by having social interactions with one another. Symbols are what make society what it is. For instance Language is a symbol used constantly to communicate with one another. From what I have learned this semester in sociology, I believe that the Functionalist theory explains how the world works. Without one of the five basic social institutions: family, economy, education, religion and government, society would fall apart. Religion and education shapes families and depicts ones morals and values. Religion also plays a role in families political views. Without politics there would be no government and without government there would be no economy. Each social institution plays a huge effect on one another.

According to the functionalist perspective, each part of society is mutually dependent on each other and contributes to a well-functioning society. An example would be the traditional family unit, man works and provides for his family while woman stays at

views society as a gadget or shape with indoors established elements (family, economic system, and remedy) that work together t produce relative balance.

Functionalism is one of the three systematic schools of thought alongside structuralism and behaviourism. Its main focus revolves around the functioning of the mind and its usage by organisms to help adapt to new environments. Functionalists study the collective mental processes & functions that lead to pragmatic consequences in the world (Baker et al, 2009).

I find that functionalists tend to perform several functions to society. They like to socialize their children

Functionalism is based largely on the works of the sociologists Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer, Robert Merton, and more. According to the functionalist perspective, society exists as a harmonious system of interconnected parts that maintain a state of social equilibrium and balance as a whole. Different social elements contribute unique aspects to society, and functionalism emphasizes how each part impacts and is impacted by other parts. For example, as technology has progressed, colleges and universities has started to offer more technical programs, and many adults have begun returning to school to learn these new abilities that are required for the evolving workplace. As more women have joined the workforce, policies on job discrimination and sexual harassment have become more and more commonplace.

Sociology is a social science that studies social interactions and changes that happen in them. With this knowledge it is important that sociology can be viewed in three separate ways that are completely different. The first theory is Structural Functionalism, which views society as a whole in which a person might view a person as a fully functioning machine (Larkin, Chap 2. Par. 5). This view sees society as many parts called structures (Larkin, Chap 2. Par. 5). A second way to view society is the Conflict perspective, which sees society as branches and families that are in constant

The sociological perspective is the comprehension of human conduct by placing it within its broader social contexts (pg. 3). This perspective is developed by using three core sociological perspectives that were developed over time. Although, these perspectives all provide a unique vantage point of society, no single perspective is the core belief of sociologists. Therefore, together the three perspectives are analyzed, giving a better understanding of society. These three theoretical perspectives are known as functionalism, symbolic interaction, and the conflict theory. Functionalism views society as having multiple functions, all in which contribute to society in a different way. The contribution of all of these functions is said to create

Functionalism is seen as a macro-scale approach to society; it sees society as a whole rather than looking at parts of it. Due to this, functionalism sees society as a body (organic analogy), all the institutions work together to make society. This is particularly useful when observing society in order to understand the way in which it functions and the way in which all the institutions (organic analogy: organs within the body) work together to sustain society as a whole. Functionalism being a macro-scale approach is therefore seen as a strength as it allows functionalist sociologists to observe society, and its institutions, as a whole.

The three primary theories of Sociology are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. These theories have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to explaining society and individuals as a part of society. Symbolic interactionism focuses on people’s perceptions and ideas on a case by case basis. It elaborates symbols and the methodology with which they are interpreted by societies. Functional analysis broadly paints society as a system with working parts. It promotes the concept of human solidarity and independence as well as interdependence. Conflict theory dives right into the problems that arise in a society and is bent on correcting them. It paints a picture of inequity and disparity among societies that no other perspective dares to match. Each offers a distinct lens with which to view society. Sociology as a science has the ability to advance human knowledge. Additionally, it can be used to address societal problems. It is my intent to prove functionalism is the best tool for the advancement of

Functionalism is a consensus perspective that sees society as based on shared values into which members are socialized. It sees society as like an organism, each part performing functions to maintain the system as a whole. For example, religion, the education system and the family perform socialization functions. The functionalist theory though developed from the ideas of theorists such as Herbert Spencer and Emile Durkheim, can trace its origins as far back as the founding father of sociology, Auguste

A functionalist perspective or view on social problems is that they feel society is a vast organism whose parts are related and also have different roles and norms. As we know in the real world a group of people has to work together to fully achieve there goals, so functionalist also believe that once a group performs their roles correctly the overall group is “functioning well”. For example I look at police forces. Police forces overall never get a good rep, but if they work together to figure out a big time crime then they will get the credit they need to keep functioning well. Also we can describe another situation such as firefighters they have one of the toughest jobs.

Functionalism is a consensus perspective, whereby society is based on shared values and norms into which members are socialised. For functionalists, society is seen as a system of social institutions such as the economy, religion and the family all of which perform socialisation functions.