modified:: 2023-10-18, 2352
up:: Social Science
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Structural Functionalism

Overview

Note, below are largely based on Durkheim as an example of a Structural Foundationalist so see Durkheim Theory & Durkheim - Division of Labour in Society (Partial) (1893) as well.

Views society as a system of interrelated parts/functions/organs
- "The whole must be given priority because its influence is greater than that of a single part." (Durkheim, ????, pg 362)
Systems naturally equilibrate
Focus on social order as the most impt metric to maintain
Institutions/Social structures are what drives Societal Development
- "The more widespread an institution, the more lasting and profound the need to which it corresponds" (Durkheim, ????, pg 365)
  - Society's needs are reliant on institutions that govern them
Consensus is the ultimate basis of social order
- "Social life is above all a harmonious community of endeavours, when minds and will come together to work for the same aim" (Durkheim, ????, pg 363)

Structures that maintain the stability of society include: households, political systems, economic systems, education & laws
- Structures are added and removed as society deems necessary
- For example Industrialization replaced Slavery for the purpose of production
  - Slavery lost its purpose
Maintain order & keep society functioning
Society can be out of balance during upheavals or rapid change as social norms & laws have yet to form to regulate interactions and promote peace & cooperation (Anomie)
- Have to reinstate norms & structures before equilibrium can be re-achieved
The collectivity trumps and is more impt than the individual
Maintain objective perspective while analyzing relationships between functional groups/social structures/institutions of society
What is moral isnt the researcher's opinion, its what the society deems as moral (this can be objectively measured via surveys for example)
- So we are looking at whether homosexuality is moral to a society, rather than whether its inherently moral
- Though, as durkheim claims the collectivity is the most impt, ultimately, society is the determining factor of morality for him
Should study society from the outside, rather than based on own personal experiences; Done by viewing collectivity as a separate entity to yourself
- Social facts, Institutions & the law are some examples of the collectivity which are extrinsic and can be objectively measured