1. FUNCTIONALISM

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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. _______________________________________________
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.

7. ___________________________ ____________________________
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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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?
• _______________________________________

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

12. 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?

13. 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
_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

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

15. Limitations / Criticisms
_______________________________________
Interactions within the family are also ignored