1. Theory: Functionalism (Consensus)
Famous Functionalists: Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons,
StrengthsWeaknesses
KeyIdeas
Functionalism is a structural theory (sometimes called a macro theory) that studies sociology as a
w hole. It sees society as a systemw ith allparts inter-related and w orking together to meet the needs
of society. In other w ords, society operateslike a living organism (the body) w ith interdependent
structures of society such as medicine, families, education and religion, (the heart and lungs).
Every society is made up of four sub-systems: economic, political, family, and cultural systems such
as education, religion and the media. Each sub-systemfunctions to maintain a healthy society.
Cultural systems socialise individuals to conformto society’s norms and values. This creates a value
consensus, which is a shared agreement of norms and values by all individuals in society. This
maintains social order so that society is able to function properly, creating a stable and harmonious
society. Because of this socialchange w illbe slow and gradually evolves.
If one part of the systemdoes breakdow n and becomes dysfunctionalthen this can affect allother
aspects of society. For example dysfunctionalfamilies have been connected to crime, mental illness
and low levels of educationalachievement, in this w ay socialorder and stability are threatened, (in
the same w ay heart disease willcause the w hole body to become w eak). Where socialisation is
inadequate, or aspects of society become dysfunctional, or where socialchange is rapid anomie can
occur. According to Durkheim this means a state of normlessness, which is when societyis unsure
of w hat socialnorms are.
Functionalists maintain that social inequality in society is both inevitable and functional, so acts as a
motivator for people to strive for high socialclass positions.
 Functionalism has w ider theoreticalappeal. Its underlying ideas have been taken up by other
structuralperspectives and has generated new theories and research fromthe New Right.
 Functionalism recognises the structuralnature of society. It demonstrates the links betw een major
socialinstitutions for e.g education, religion and the economy.
 Durkheim’s and Parson’s w orkhas provided insights that have helped modern sociologists to
understand contemporary societies, and many of its basic assumptions still guide much sociological
research. For example, the idea that society should be seen as a w hole and that society is structured
and the socialstructure directs human behaviour.
 Functionalism tends to over-emphasise the harmonious nature of society and fails to see that
some groups are disadvantaged by society. Competing sociologists maintain conflict occursbetween
many socialgroups in society e.g. w orking class v. Middle class and disabled v. able-bodied.
 Functionalists try to explain the beginning of a socialinstitution by its function. For example if
religion’s function is to maintain social stability then society must have religion in order to survive.
Through the secularisation debate w e know that religion’s functions have been diluted and can be
questioned.
 Functionalism provides an inadequate explanation of socialchange. It does not adequately explain
socialchange, but instead states that if it does it w illjust be through evolutionary factors.
Linksto
Method
Sees sociology as a science and therefore favoursquantitative, positivist approach. They like
questionnaires, structured interviewsand officialstatistics.
ApplicationofFunctionalism
Education
1. Educational systems socialise individuals into norms and values through the formaland
hidden curriculum’s e.g. citizenship education.
2. Educational systems provide a vital role in allocating individuals into a class based society
through meritocratic principles.
Health
1. Medicine performs a vital socialcontrolfunction by limiting access to the sickrole.
Religion
1. Religion plays a functionaland positive role in society. It integrates people and provides
support and guidance.
Crime
1. Crime and deviance result fromblocked opportunities w ithin the socialstructure.
2. Crime and deviance further result fromsub-culturalpressures.
Critical
points
1. Although functionalists provide a usefulinsight into the w orkings of society the theory is ideologically driven. Therefore, the theory is reductionist as it fails to take into account competing theoreticalideas.
2. Postmodernists are criticalof the functionalmeta-narrative as they claim to have a ‘totalising’, (all encompassing), theory of society. Postmodernists maintain that rival narratives should be considered for a
full account of sociallife.