FUNCTIONALISM

FUNCTIONALISM Functionalists believe that everything and everybody in society has a _______ (a function) that makes society to run smoothly.

Example of Functionalism: THE HUMAN BODY The organs of a human body work together to keep us alive. Each organ has a FUNCTION. Each organ works interdependently to help us move, think, breath, eat, pump blood, etc. If all of our organs are working properly and doing their ROLE, we function “normally”. Also, all of our natural organs and body parts have a purpose to keep us functioning.

Key Theorists: ____________________ is one of the original and traditional sociologists. Functionalism draws inspiration from him. He was interested in how societies maintained internal stability. ____________________ Contemporary sociologist/functionalist Was a professor at ________ University in the Economics Department

Functionalism - Key Words Definition??? ________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Institutions: Functionalists look on social systems as having certain needs, and society as a system of social structures/institutions (economic, legal, educational). If the needs are being met, then it is the social structures/institutions that meet these needs. The structures are thus functional in the sense that they help society to operate. Interconnections exist within and among these structures, and individuals and groups are constrained by these structures.

_______________________________________________ Interdependence: Since society is composed of different parts, and the proper operation of these parts is necessary to the smooth operation of society as a whole, the interdependence of the parts is an important feature of functionalism. _______________________________________________ So, dysfunctions can occur in a functional society, however all parts of society will have to adjust and adapt to create a new working/functional society once again.

___________________________ ____________________________ Interdependence and Equilibrium: ___________________________ ____________________________ These parts work together in an orderly manner, without great conflict. The different parts are usually in equilibrium, or moving toward equilibrium, with consensus rather than conflict governing the inter-relationships of the various parts.

A consensus exists within the social system. Macro: ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Consensus – Norms and Values: A consensus exists within the social system. Individual behaviour is governed by social norms(_________________________________________)or rules that are generally accepted and agreed upon. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ There are aspects of these norms that return the society to a normal state of affairs in the case of a disturbance – for example, sanctions, punishment, social approval, and social disapproval.

Functionalism - Examples Family as an Institution: The family has a number of important functions in society: 1. _____________________________________ 2. _____________________________________ 3. _____________________________________

Functionalism – Examples Cont… How does the family ... 1. Provide for the physical protection of its members? • ______________________________________ 2. Provide for emotional well-being of its members? 3. Socializes new members? • _______________________________________

Functionalism – Examples Cont… Family Structure The family is organized around three statuses: _________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

Functionalism – Examples Cont… What would functionalists say about diverse representations of a family? What would they say about the acceptance of same sex marriage in society?

Functionalism – Examples Cont… What Does This Mean? The husband/father has an active, doing role and is responsible for economic support of the family members the wife/mother has an expressive (emotional) role and is responsible for physical and emotional support of the family members _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Questions Asked by Structural Functionalists ? ________________________________ Is the number of single parent families increasing? What effect does education have on incomes?

Limitations / Criticisms _______________________________________ Interactions within the family are also ignored