Functionalism is a structural theory that views society as a system where social institutions fit together and work to ensure the survival of the society. The theory proposes that institutions shape behavior and maintain social order through consensus, shared values, and by meeting society's functional needs. While functionalism helped highlight the importance of socialization and values, it has also been criticized for being too deterministic, teleological, and for ignoring conflict, social constructionism, and postmodern uncertainties.

1. Functionalism
Basic points Key ideas (ctd)
Structural theory – social system = survival of society
Social institutions make up structure – fit together = system. Robert Merton
Institutions shape behaviour – determinism = social order/predictable Critical of Parsons – indispensability/functional unity/universal
Society based on consensus = shared values/agreement functionalism
Society can be improved by understanding how it works
Emile Durkheim
Rapid change = industrialisation
Key ideas Traditional society – mechanical solidarity/collective conscience
Modern society – division of labour/greater freedom – weak bonds
Talcott Parsons Rapid change = anomie
Organic analogy – system/system needs/functions People are shaped by social forces
Value consensus – shared culture – social order Functional needs of society met by institutions
Integration – socialisation/social control
System needs – AGIL Schema (adaptation/goal attainment/integration/
latency)
Traditional and modern societies
Social change – specialised functions – moving equilibrium - gradual
Strengths Weaknesses
Has helped the development of many other consensus approaches in Teleology
recent times highlighting importance of socialisation and values Unscientific claims
Highlights the patterned nature of human behaviour – structured lives Ignores conflict
influenced by institutions Conservative ideology
Explores social change and nature of different societies and how change Too deterministic
happens Not consider human consciousness/social constructionism
Considers the links between institutions and indicates cause/effect Reification
Reveals how sociology can emulate natural science/positivism Postmodernist critique = uncertainty/instability/de-structure