Structural functionalism is a theory created by Émile Durkheim.
Views society as a complex system that functions like a clock or a living cell.
Each individual has a specific role that contributes to the overall functioning of society.
Key Concepts
Manifest Functions
Definition: Intended purpose of an institution.
Example:
School:
Main goal is to educate students and prepare them for society.
Ensures students understand social norms and become productive members of society.
Media:
Intended to inform and entertain society.
Latent Functions
Definition: Unintended consequences of an institution, which can be positive or negative.
Example:
School:
Positive: Development of friendships and social networks.
Negative: Potential for negative influences such as drugs, leading to academic decline.
Institutions
Definition: Established systems that help society progress and maintain stability.
Examples:
Schools
Media
Government agencies
Hospitals
Military
Corporations
Each institution serves different roles and has distinct manifest and latent functions.
Social Facts
Definition: Invisible societal influences that shape individual behavior, often unnoticed until challenged.
Examples:
Laws
Birth rates
Religious beliefs
Social facts impact lives without individuals' direct awareness.
Limitations of Structural Functionalism
Struggles to explain rapid societal changes.
Emphasizes equilibrium and stability.
May validate social inequalities by suggesting certain roles suit individuals better than others.
Example: Traditional family structure with distinct roles for each member.
Conclusion
Structural functionalism focuses on how society maintains order and stability through various institutions and social facts.
Understanding manifest and latent functions is crucial for analyzing societal roles and impacts.
Encouraged to explore other sociological theories such as conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and social constructionism for a broader perspective.