Structural functionalism
Structural Functionalism
Content Parsons: Functional Imperatives, Structure of the general action System and Pattern variables Merton: Clarifying functional analysis, Dysfunctions, and Manifest and Latent functions
Content • Parsons: Functional Imperatives , Structure of the General Action System and Pattern Variables • Merton: Clarifying functional analysis, Dysfunctions, and Manifest and Latent functions
The debate between consensus theories and conflict theories Consensus theories see shared norms and values as fundamental to society focus on socialorder based on tacit agreements, and view social change as occurring in a slow and orderly fashion. In contrast, conflict theories emphasize the dominance of some social groups by others, see social order as based on manipulation and control by dominant groups, and view social change as occurring rapidly and in a disorderly fashion as subordinate groups overthrow dominant groups Representatives of the debate: Marx and Comte, Simmel and Durkheim Dahrendorf and Parsons
The debate between “consensus theories and conflict theories • Consensus theories see shared norms and values as fundamental to society ,focus on social order based on tacit agreements, and view social change as occurring in a slow and orderly fashion. In contrast, conflict theories emphasize the dominance of some social groups by others, see social order as based on manipulation and control by dominant groups, and view social change as occurring rapidly and in a disorderly fashion as subordinate groups overthrow dominant groups. • Representatives of the debate: Marx and Comte, Simmel and Durkheim, Dahrendorf and Parsons
Function and functional imperatives Function a function is a complex of activities directed towards meeting a need or needs of the system Functional imperatives There are four functional imperatives that are necessary for all systems-adaptation(a), goal attainment(G), integration (I), and latency (L),or pattern maintenance
Function and functional imperatives • Function A function is a complex of activities directed towards meeting a need or needs of the system • Functional imperatives There are four functional imperatives that are necessary for all systems—adaptation(A), goal attainment(G), integration(I), and latency(L),or pattern maintenance
A set of assumptions of structural functionalism Systems have the property of order and interdependence of parts System tend toward self-maintaining order, or equilibrium The system may be static or involved in an ordered process of change The nature of one part of the system has an impact on the form that the other state of equilibrium of system Systems maintain boundaries with environments Allocation and integration are two fundamental processes necessary for a given state of equilibrium of a system System tend toward self-maintenance involving the maintenance of boundaries and of the relationship of parts to the whole, control of environmental variations, and control of tendencies to change the system
A set of assumptions of Structural functionalism • Systems have the property of order and interdependence of parts • System tend toward self-maintaining order, or equilibrium. • The system may be static or involved in an ordered process of change. • The nature of one part of the system has an impact on the form that the other state of equilibrium of system. • Systems maintain boundaries with environments. • Allocation and integration are two fundamental processes necessary for a given state of equilibrium of a system. • System tend toward self-maintenance involving the maintenance of boundaries and of the relationship of parts to the whole, control of environmental variations, and control of tendencies to change the system