Lecture on Functionalism

Overview

• Functionalism: A theoretical perspective viewing society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and balance.
• Based on the work of Emile Durkheim.
• Focuses on the whole society, its internal structures, and how each part helps maintain cohesion.

Key Concepts

Society as a System

• Society tends to move towards equilibrium (balance).
• Example: Small businesses adapting to the emergence of big companies like Amazon or Alza to maintain balance.

Interconnected Parts of Society

• Society comprises various interconnected institutions that fulfill community needs such as:
  • Schools
  • Banks
  • Companies
  • Marriage
  • Legislative institutions
  • Media
  • NGOs
  • Healthcare
  • Religion
  • Military and police

Social Facts

• Defined by Durkheim as ways of thinking and acting formed by society.
• Exist prior to and independent of individuals.
• Become noticeable when resisted (e.g., laws).
• Examples: Laws, moral restraints, religion, social trends like suicide or birth rates.

Functions within Society

• Every societal structure fulfills a function to meet societal needs.
• Manifest Functions: Intentional and recognized effects of institutions (e.g., schools educating students).
• Latent Functions: Unintentional effects (e.g., schools aiding in socialization).

Question of Social Cohesion

Durkheim's Question

• What holds society together and makes it relatively stable despite changing traditions and customs?
• Initial thought: Society bonds over commonalities and self-sufficiency (applies to small societies).
• Evolution: Societies grow and dependency among individuals increases.

Societal Growth and Dependency

• Triggered by population growth in confined spaces (e.g., fewer farmers providing for many, specialization in jobs).
• Dependency on each other for goods and services.
• Need for distribution systems and production management.
• Changes in one area (production/distribution/management) affect others to maintain balance.
• Change is disruptive, threatening balance and dependency.
• Societal structures adapt to maintain necessary interdependency.

Criticisms of Functionalism

• Overemphasis on societal institutions, underestimating individual impact.
• Explains social function but struggles to account for social change and conflict.
• Tends to view changes as minor adjustments rather than significant transformations.
• Cannot fully understand society by only examining its parts.
• Useful for understanding societal functionality but limited in explaining societal dynamics.

Conclusion

• Functionalism provides a positive outlook on societal structure emphasizing balance and institutional roles.
• Acknowledges interdependence but shows limitations in addressing individual roles and dynamic changes.