1. Functional Analysis Sociology

2. 3 Major Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Symbolic Interactionism Functional Analysis Conflict Theory

3. Functional Analysis Society is a whole unit, made up of inter related parts that work together Also known as functionalism or structural functionalism

4. + Functionalism: Key Words Institutions: Functionalist analysis looks 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 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.

5. 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 functional analysis. – The roles taken on by people, and the institutions and organizations of society are all interdependent. – A change in any one part affects others, requiring other parts to take account of the changes, modify its actions, and adapt to any changes necessary. – 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.

6. Interdependence and Equilibrium Functionalism attempts to explain the relationship of different parts of the system to each other, and to the whole. 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. Functionalism: Key Words

7. + Macro – The focus is macro-sociological, with institutions and structures existing in the society as a whole. Consensus – Norms and Values – A consensus exists within the social system. – Individual behaviour is governed by social norms(most consistent behaviour in society)or rules that are generally accepted and agreed upon. – These norms and values are consistent with the equilibrium state of society, or normal state of affairs. – 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.

8. Functional Analysis Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer viewed society as a living organism If it is to function, various parts must work together

9. Robert Merton Dismissed the organic analogy but maintained society is composed of parts that work together Functions keep the group at equilibrium Functions can be manifest or latent – Manifest = intended to help some part of the system Ex. Baby bonus to married couples – Latent = unintended Ex. Baby bonus = increased purchases of baby products

10. Robert Merton Latent dysfunction – human actions can also hurt a system – Ex. Baby bonus, people have too many children

11. Applying Functional Analysis to the Increased Divorce Rate 1. Economic Production 1. Prior to industrialization, the family was an economic team. (dependence on each other) 2. Home  Factory = weaker family bonds 3. Husband especially isolated from the family routine

12. Applying Functional Analysis to the Increased Divorce Rate 2. Socialization of Children 1. Government grows larger and more powerful 2. Schools take away family education & assumed much responsibility for socialization 3. Parents required by law to send children 3. Care of sick and elderly 1. Shift from family concern to government obligation

13. Applying Functional Analysis to the Increased Divorce Rate 4. Recreation 1. Disposable income = shift from home based, family-centered activities to paid events 5. Sexual control 1. Traditionally only sexual relations within marriage were considered legit (although they did happen) 2. “sexual revolution”/ birth control opened up many alternatives to marital sex

14. Applying Functional Analysis to the Increased Divorce Rate 6. Reproduction 1. Seemingly untouched – however, greater # of single women are having children 2. Not totally a family decision – married women can get an abortion w/o husband

15. A Glimpse of the Past Families used to handle many aspects of life and death that we now assign to outside agencies – Ex. Death – death certificate, burial permit, cremation box, cremation, urn, plot of land (if buried)

16. Summary The fewer functions that family members have in common, the weaker their bond. This bond is necessary to get them through the problems they inevitably experience

17. Relevance (Advantages) Provides a wide-ranging explanation for many social phenomena Has guided a great deal of valuable research Latter models allow not only for stability, but also for conflict, social change, and power relationships Has contributed useful concepts to the field

18. Relevance (Disadvantages) An ideal model of society rather than an empirically derived one – Operational definitions are hard to come by At its outset had a tendency to value stability, consensus Cannot explain the existence of societies in the first place

19. Relevance (Disadvantages) Cannot easily explain rapid social change or breakdown of societies – Social change and social conflict became significant topics in the latter period of functionalist dominance Rests on assumptions that are hard (perhaps impossible) to test Explanations can be tautological

20. On Your Own List aspects of family life that are now handled by outside agencies.