they view society as a peaceful unit
the structure
the structure
Functionalists view discrimination as a way for society to maintain social order by differentiating between groups and roles. They argue that discrimination can serve a purpose in reinforcing norms and values within a society, thus contributing to social stability. Additionally, functionalists may see discrimination as a mechanism for promoting competition and encouraging individuals to strive for success.
Functionalists view social inequality as necessary to maintain social order and promote meritocracy, while symbolic interactionists see inequality as socially constructed and perpetuated through interactions and meanings attached to different social positions. Functionalists focus on the contributions of inequality to social stability, while symbolic interactionists emphasize the impact of inequality on individual perceptions and interactions.
Functionalists refer to how parts of society fit together to form a whole as "organic analogy" or "organic solidarity." They believe that each part of society serves a function that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of society as a whole.
Functionalists state that the family consists of the instrumental role for the man, and the expressive role for the women, which is basically your traditional nuclear family. However, functionalists do recognize that the divide between the two roles is becoming more blurred, and the domestic division of labour is no longer as simple as your traditional family. However, Young and Willmott, two functionalists, say that the family goes through 4 stages, and we are currently experiencing the symetrical family. This refers to a family based on joint conjugal roles, wherbey the family is a lot more privatised, spending leisure time together. Therefore, Functionalists would love the traditional nuclear family to still be in place, but they do recognise that the conjugal roles within the family are becoming more blurred and functionalists such as Young and Willmott put forward alternate perspectives on the state of the current family.
According to structural functionalists, modernization results in increased efficiency, specialization of roles, and the development of complex systems to accommodate societal needs. This process is seen as leading to societal progress and advancement as traditional systems are replaced with more dynamic and adaptable structures.
Watson and Pavlov focused on observable behaviors and their stimulus-response associations, moving away from the introspective methods of structuralists and psychoanalysts. They emphasized the importance of empiricism and experimentation, in contrast to the theoretical approach of functionalists who focused on the purpose and adaptive function of behaviors.
Emile Durkheim and Herbert Spencer both viewed society as a living organism and are considered the earliest structural functionalists. They believed that society is composed of interrelated parts that work together to maintain social stability and harmony.
Structural functionalists view education as a crucial institution that serves to promote social stability and cohesion by transmitting knowledge and values to individuals. They would emphasize the role of education in preparing individuals for their future roles in society and maintaining the overall functioning of the social system.
Functionalists believe socialization is important because it helps individuals develop a shared understanding of norms, values, and roles in society. This process ensures social cohesion and cooperation among its members, contributing to the overall stability and functioning of society. Socialization also helps individuals adapt to their social environment and fulfill their roles effectively.
Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer