Thalia G.

Roldan
ABSS4
Functionalism is the theoretical framework employed in this analysis of marriage. Functionalism is
a school of sociological theory which analyzes society as a social system, comparative to the study of the
human body as an organismic system. Not only is society as viewed as a macro-system, but smaller
organs or institutions of society are also investigated as social systems i.e., the institution of marriage.
All social systems are composed of a network of parts which are functionally interrelated to each
other and to the system. The concept function is defined as a system determined and system
determining consequence or effect on an appropriate activity. Each part of the system exerts a function on
the system, and the system maintains a function on the part. In an anatomical analogy, the heart exerts
an appropriate activity or consequence on the brain by pumping life-giving blood to its cells, and the brain
maintains an appropriate activity or effect on the heart by stimulating the pulse.
In this manner, the institution of marriage is analyzed with functional theory. Each part of marriage
(i.e., family of orientation, sexual behavior, personality, etc.) initiates and maintains a system-determining
consequence on the system of marriage. Further, the system of marriage exerts an appropriate effect on
the part for example, the quality of the marriage influences the sex relationship which is one of vital part
of marriage.
It is through the theoretical framework of functionalism that marriage as a social system can best
be analyzed and understood. A strong healthy organismic system does not occur by mere chance it
exists because the parts of the body influence and determine it to be vibrant and alive through appropriate
consequences. So it is with the social system of marriage, because successful marriage is not initiated or
maintained by chance, metaphysical or existential. A vibrant healthy marriage is influenced or determined
by appropriate effects of specific parts or factors on the marriage.

Demographic Profiles
- Age
- Educational attainment
- Order in the family
- Economic status
- No. of children

Family Code of the Philippines

essential and formal requisites of marriage

grounds for the concepts and their process

Disorganizatio
n of Marriage