What would

happen
without law
and order?
 STRUCTURAL
FUNCTIONALISM
 STRUCTURAL
FUNCTIONALISM
• Structural Functionalism is a framework for building theory that
sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to
promote solidarity and stability.

• Economy, religion, politics, education, and family are to be

considered groups as a major institution. Individual and group
behavior, more often than not, serves a FUNCTION for the larger
society.
 Functionalism
• Society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in
harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for
the whole.

• Functionalists’ perspectives emphasize the interconnectedness of

society by focusing on how each part influences and is influenced
by other parts. Functionalists use the terms functional and
dysfunctional to describe the effects of social elements on society.
 Important Theorist
Hebert Spencer
• Saw a likeness between society and the human body.
• He inferred that just like the various organs of our body which are connected in
each other in keeping the body systems functioning is somewhat also similar to
the various parts of the society that work together to keep the society working
and effective.
• He coined the term social Institutions that focus on meeting social needs, such
as government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and the economy
 Meanwhile, Emile Durkheim utilized Spencer’s theory in clarifying how the Education societies
transformed and survived throughout time and generations. Durkheim Family Health reasoned that
society is a multifaceted Social system of interconnected and codependent Order parts that work together
to maintain stability
 Important Theorist
Talcott Parsons
• Talcott Parsons' structural functionalism framework emphasized
the interdependence of these systems. He believed that they
work together to ensure the stability and survival of a society.
• Cultural system
• Social system
• Personality system
 Talcott Parsons
Cultural System
• Parsons argued that the cultural system is the foundation of any society.
It consists of shared beliefs, values, norms, and symbols that guide
and shape individuals' behavior.
• Culture provides the framework within which individuals interpret their
experiences and make sense of the world. It sets the standards for what
is considered right or wrong in a given society.
• In Parsons' view, cultural systems help maintain social order by
providing a common set of expectations and meanings that enable
individuals to interact and cooperate effectively.
 Talcott Parsons
Social System
• The social system, according to Parsons, is the next level of analysis. It
encompasses the various social institutions (such as family, education, religion,
and economy) and the patterns of interaction and relationships among
individuals and groups within a society.
• Parsons emphasized the importance of social roles and their associated
expectations in maintaining social stability. He believed that individuals are
assigned roles based on their talents and abilities, and these roles contribute to the
functioning of the social system.
• In Parsons' view, cultural systems help maintain social order by providing a
common set of expectations and meanings that enable individuals to interact and
cooperate effectively.
 Talcott Parsons
Personality System
• The personality system, in Parsons' theory, refers to the individual level. It
involves the internalization of cultural values and norms by individuals as they
socialize and develop within a society.
• Parsons argued that individuals learn to internalize the cultural values and
norms, which become part of their personality structure. This internalization
helps individuals understand their roles and responsibilities within the social
system.
• The personality system also includes the development of personal values and
motivations, which guide an individual's actions within the social system.
Parsons believed that individuals strive to meet societal expectations and
maintain social order.
 ACTIVITY
Functional Analysis of a Social Issue:
Select a contemporary social issue (e.g., healthcare, poverty,
crime). Conduct a functional analysis to identify the various parts
of society involved in addressing or perpetuating the issue.
Discuss how each part contributes to either maintaining or
disrupting stability.
 EXAMPLE
TOPIC/SOCIAL ISSUE: POVERTY
• Education System: Education is often seen as a means to escape poverty. An
effective education system that provides equal opportunities for quality education
can contribute to stability by empowering individuals to break the cycle of poverty.
Inadequate access to quality education disrupts stability by limiting social mobility.
• Labor Market: The labor market is a key factor in addressing poverty. A functional
labor market that provides fair wages, job security, and opportunities for
advancement can contribute to stability by reducing poverty rates. A stagnant job
market with low wages and limited job prospects disrupts stability by trapping
individuals in poverty.