FUNCTIONALIST Unit 1 – Introduction to

PERSPECTIVES Sociology
CONTEMPORARY
PERSPECTIVES
Using contemporary perspectives, sociologists view society as:
1) A stable and ongoing entity – functionalism
2) Many groups competing for scarce resources – conflict
3) Everyday routine interactions among individuals – symbolic interactionism
THEORY
A set of logically interrelated statements that attempts to describe, explain, and
(occasionally) predict social events.
Theories allow us to interpret reality by using a framework.
PERSPECTIVE
An overall approach to, or viewpoint on, some subject.
FUNCTIONALIST
PERSPECTIVE
Based on the assumption that society is a stable, orderly system.
Characterized by social consensus
 The majority of members have common values, beliefs, and behavioural expectations

Functionalism is often described with a square shape, to signify stability and order.
EMILE DURKHEIM
ISSUES IN MODERN SOCIETY
1. Individualism
i. Choice/Outcome
ii. Credit/Fault

2. Excessive Hope
i. Possibilities/Disappointment
ii. “Life just is, often, quite painful and sad.”

3. We Have Too Much Freedom

i. Too much choice = structure
ii. “Whatever works for you.”
ISSUES IN MODERN SOCIETY
4. Atheism
i. religion = faith
ii. Community/Consolation

5. Weakening of the Nation and of the Family

i. No longer provide a larger sense of belonging
ii. Lack of feeling that we are part of something larger than ourselves
FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL
INSTITUTIONS
The main function these systems is to maintain social order

Manifest Functions – intended consequences of any element

Latent Functions – indirect/unintended functions of the institution
Dysfunctions – undesirable consequences of any element of a society
THE INSTITUTION OF PUBLIC
EDUCATION
Manifest Functions To educate the population
Latent Functions Teach rule following, conformity, *hidden curriculum*
Dysfunctions Bullying, perpetuating inequalities. Learning isn’t the same for
all but all are taught similarly.
CRITICISMS OF STRUCTURAL
FUNCTIONALISM
Does not address the individual in society, focuses on larger structures.
Does not address social change or the need for social change.
 Instead, it explains how societies work.
 Social problems and social change interrupt the stability.

Individuals who don’t fit are problematic/deviant

 Spend our lives trying to “fit”
OTHER IMPORTANT
SOCIOLOGISTS
Talcott Parsons (1902-1979)
 Founded Department of Sociology at Harvard University
 Believed that sociologists make provisions for meeting social needs

Robert Merton (1910-2003)

 Student of Parsons
 Furthered/modernized Parsons’ ideas
 Created the concept of manifest/latent functions of social institutions
FUNCTIONALISM EXPLAINED
– KHAN ACADEMY
THE BEGINNING OF THE END
1945 – 1960:
Functionalism Flourished

1960s onward:
Beliefs/ideals of the 20th century made the Functionalist perspective seem irrelevant
CRASH COURSE HISTORY #40
–
THE 1960S IN AMERICA