Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.
Introduction
Different schools of thoughts have come up with a different of theoretical perspectives to explain different phenomenon’s in human life. In the book “Sociology in Global Perspective”, the writer has suggested five theoretical approaches to define human social situations however, according to my observation of different scenarios in human life, structural functionalism approach stand to be more relevant than other theories. This paper discusses the applicability of structural functionalism approach in social life understanding.
Structural Functionalism
According to the theory, the society is taken as a living organism, with different organs, which are mandated to perform different duties for the general welfare of the community. Failure to an organ results to a deficit in the entire system. Human beings are social animals, however no one person has similar personally to another, the expectation of an individual form another should be harmonised looking at different interest. To maintain social cohesion and harmony, every individual must understand his duty and undertake them effectively.
Sometimes the duties may be painful to undertake but since the society as a system wants them done, an individual is left with no defence than perform the duty. For example, it is the role of parents to take care of their children and the children should respect the parents. These are roles defined by the community and its existence maintains social harmony (Babbie 12-34).
The society is formed by its people and institutions developed to manage different aspects of life. The performance of these institutions can only be in harmony and undertake their duties effectively if they operate like an organ of the entire system.
For example, the education system should enlighten people on appropriate and accepted behaviours so that they do not fall into trouble with the police institution. On the other hand, the police officers ensure there is peace and harmony in societies for schools to operate in. Such institutions form parts of the entire community.
Decisions enforceable in a community follow a utilitarian approach where decision makers have to weight options before making a decision. The best decision is made to benefit the largest population or that will cause minimal danger to the smallest population.
The reason behind such moves is to give all organs of the system as suggested by structural functionalists equal consideration since when one organ suffers, then another one which might have not been affected directly will suffer. For example in international negotiations and agreements like Kyoto protocol on environmental damage, members make a decision based on the benefits that the entire community will have.
Power systems and respect for national and international laws can be seen to be effected by structural functionalism existing in the community. People feel more obligated to respect the laws and follow their leaders since they are of believe that the role of those people is to guide them and their role is to follow their pathways.
This explains the existence of political class in an economy. For example, the people respect a decision or a side taken by the government even if the people might feel ignored by the people. They only will comply since they believe their leaders have the role and capacity to take such decisions (Babbie 12-34).
Conclusion
Structural functionalism theory defines the society as a living organism, where every organ has to work effectively to maintain social cohesion and social harmony. The theory is applicable in modern lifestyle where harmony exists on when societies undertake their roles effectively.
Work Cited
Babbie, Earl. What is Society? Reflections on Freedom, Order, and Change. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, 1994. Print.
Do you need this or any other assignment done for you from scratch?
We have qualified writers to help you.
We assure you a quality paper that is 100% free from plagiarism and AI.
You can choose either format of your choice ( Apa, Mla, Havard, Chicago, or any other)
NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.
NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.