Functionalism
Overview
Functionalism is a theoretical perspective in sociology and anthropology that interprets each part of society in terms of how it contributes to the stability of the whole society. It is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology and has its origins in the works of Émile Durkheim, who was especially interested in how social order is possible and how society remains relatively stable.
Historical Development
Functionalism developed in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and it has since been developed and refined by a number of sociologists and anthropologists. It was heavily influenced by the work of Durkheim, who was concerned with the question of how societies maintain internal stability and survive over time. He proposed that such societies tend to be segmented, with equivalent parts held together by shared values, common symbols, or systems of exchange.
Key Concepts
Functionalism sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of the individuals in that society. These parts are generally regarded as institutions, which are sets of norms surrounding the carrying out of a function necessary for the survival of a society. Institutions include the family, education, religion, and the economy.
Criticisms
Functionalism has been criticized for its focus on stability at the expense of conflict and change, and for its assumption that all societal institutions are necessary and inherently beneficial. Critics also argue that functionalism is inherently conservative because it supports the status quo and complacency on the part of society's members.