![]() ![]() Durkheim called the communal beliefs, morals, and attitudes of a society the collective conscience. He asserted that individual behavior was not the same as collective behavior and that studying collective behavior was quite different from studying an individual’s actions. ![]() To him, society was greater than the sum of its parts. Émile Durkheim and Structural-FunctionalismĪs a functionalist, Émile Durkheim’s (1858–1917) perspective on society stressed the necessary interconnectivity of all of its elements. ![]() Social solidarity and social facts are essential concepts that functionalists use to empirically analyze societies. (Photo courtesy of Medill DC/flickr) In previous modules, you learned about s ocial solidarity (the social ties that bind a group of people together such as kinship, shared location, and religion) and social facts (the laws, morals, values, religious beliefs, customs, fashions, rituals, and all of the cultural rules that govern social life). The three major sociological paradigms differ in their perspectives on these issues. Buffet advocates that the wealthy should pay higher taxes than they do, as he refutes the claim that trickle-down economics really benefits the lower and middle classes. Warren Buffett (an investor and one of the world’s richest men) has controversial ideas about taxation and spending habits of the very wealthy, particularly since they raise questions about America’s embedded system of class structure and social power. This perspective reminds us that we are all part of a larger social system that influences and is influenced by our actions.Figure 1. Despite its limitations, it provides valuable insights into how different parts of society contribute to the whole. In conclusion, the structural-functional theory is a key perspective in sociology that views society as an integrated system working together for stability. For example, it can help us understand why certain rituals or traditions persist in societies, as they often serve a purpose for the social order. In sociology, the structural-functional theory can be used to explain a wide range of social phenomena. Using Structural-Functional Theory in Sociology Durkheim’s work has greatly influenced how we think about society and its functioning. He believed that society is a reality “sui generis,” or of its own kind, separate from the individuals who compose it. Famous ProponentsĮmile Durkheim, a French sociologist, is one of the most famous proponents of the structural-functional theory. It also tends to assume that all parts of society work well and for the common good, which may not always be the case. Some people argue that it overlooks social inequalities, like those based on race, class, or gender. However, like any theory, the structural-functional theory has its criticisms. Criticisms of the Structural-Functional Theory For instance, it shows us how families provide emotional support, and schools help children develop skills for their future jobs. It emphasizes the importance of social order and cooperation. One of the main strengths of the theory is its focus on the positive aspects of society. Strengths of the Structural-Functional Theory The aim is to understand how different parts contribute to the stability and order of the whole. ![]() For example, it might study the role of the family in raising children or how education prepares individuals for their future roles in society. The theory looks at various aspects of society. What Does the Structural-Functional Theory Look At? The idea is that these parts work together to keep the whole system running smoothly. Just as every organ in our body has a specific function, every part of society – whether it’s family, school, or government – serves a particular purpose. This theory considers society as a complex system, much like a human body. First, let’s unpack what the structural-functional theory means. ![]()
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