What Is the Functionalist Perspective?

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The functionalist perspective is a theory that affirms that the world is a structure of interconnected parts in which every part is essential in ensuring that the structure works. The structure of the system contains establishments like family, religion, and education that make up a social system. The main aim of all the parts of the system is to ensure that order is maintained in society. The various structures in the society make sure that agreements, integration, stability, and balance are maintained in the society.

This means that everything in society, though extraordinary has a reason for being that way. It also brings out the point that social inequality is important in any social setting. It states that without inequality, division of work would not be possible since people have different talents, for instance not everyone can be a police officer. In other words, people should not be rewarded the same way so that they can work hard to achieve top positions.

Body

In normal circumstances, society for example sees crime as a problem that should be eliminated. Functionalism, however, insists that crime has a number of benefits. In this way, the theory argues that crime generates the need to have opportunities for police officers, criminal investigators, lawyers, and other positions related to this line of work. In the case where crime is eliminated, it would mean that all these positions disappear and such people would be rendered unemployed. In this way, the theory argues that crime helps families and the society at large to be united in order to fight issues such as crime.

I prefer this theory because it also helps make the society unite in various activities. This can be illustrated in the case where crime or any other unacceptable behaviors in the society lead to a strong society that values customs such as unity.

These kinds of unacceptable behavior allow the society to remember the status quo thus reorganize formerly practiced customs. For instance, in the past years’ such behaviors led to the social development of rights movements such as women’s rights, and in countries like United States African American and homosexual rights have been created. In this way maltreatment of the disadvantaged in the society has led to the questioning and breaking of such cultural customs that were oppressive.

The functionalist perspective also helps create a very clear picture of how society is interdependent in many aspects leading to its stability. This for example can be illustrated in the case where the state helps offer to learn to children for the family, and the family pays taxes to the government that the state uses to keep itself going. The family looks upon the school to educate the children so that they can be able to find good jobs in the future and thus they will be able to provide and take care of their own families. With time, children grow up and develop into law-abiding individuals, and they help the state by paying their taxes.

In cases where things turn out well, the parts of the society are able to attain order, efficiency, and stability. If things do not turn out well, the parts of the society will have to develop a new order to achieve stability and efficiency. For instance, in case there is economic instability families will be required to use smaller budgets; schools create few courses, and so on. (Talcott)

Conclusion

The functionalist perspective believes in social agreements to create a stable society. The theory advocates for a society to be united in all its values, customs as well as beliefs. In this way, many societies are able to enjoy the continuous flow of normal activities in a normal society. This theory is very efficient especially in cases where things go the right way as they are planned. The functional perspective theory ensures that the society maintains order that will help them grow in all sectors. In this way, everyone works for the good of society at large.

Works Cited

Talcott, Parsons, “The Present Status of “Structural-Functional” Theory in Sociology.” In Talcott Parsons, Social Systems and The Evolution of Action Theory New York: The Free Press, 1975.

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What Is the Functionalist Perspective?

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