Structural functionalism is a macro level perspective (tries to explain large scale social phenomenon) that believes society is an organized, harmonious bundle of social institutions. The institutions such as educational, religious, economic, etc. all function together. The natural state of society is one of harmony. Everything is society has a function (hence the name functionalism). Since it thinks everything has a function, it justifies the status quo (the existing society) and is conservative.
S-F would argue that poverty would not exist in society if it did not serve a function. Poverty employs a lot of people (social workers, non-profit organizations like thesalvation army, united way, medicaid, etc., politicians who focus on policies relating to the poor). This is your strongest answer.
Functionalists view poverty as serving a function in society by creating motivation for individuals to work hard and strive for success. They argue that poverty can also help maintain social order by reinforcing the importance of education, individual responsibility, and social mobility. However, critics argue that this perspective overlooks the structural factors that contribute to poverty and ignores the negative impact it has on individuals and communities.
A Functionalist might view the Prohibition Era as an attempt to promote social order by reducing alcohol-related crime and improving public health. A Conflict Theorist might see it as a tool of social control by powerful groups to restrict the behavior of marginalized communities. An Interactionist might focus on how prohibition influenced social interactions, such as speakeasies providing spaces for people to socialize outside the law.
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Weber was a functionalist, also.
Functionalist perspective tends to have the most optimistic view of society. This perspective sees society as a stable system that functions well when each part of the system is in balance and working together. Functionalist believe that societies can achieve harmony and that social order is possible through cooperation and shared values.
A functionalist view is based on assumptions of order and objectivity. The functionalist view sees the world (client, illness, program, etc.) as a system and that all systems gravitate towards to stability. If the functionalist were a psychiatric case manager, they would view the client as unstable and the goal would be to achieve stability. Depending on where the client was within their psychosis, stability could mean several things, however the functionalist view always has a goal in mind. Functionalists use their skills and knowledge to benefit society and believe they exist to fulfill a need. Functionalists highly regard the science within their professions and with a strong affinity for goal attainment and the deep belief to fill a need, functionalists can experience frustration when their clients' goals are not attained.
Wealth and poverty are god-given and transient to shape life and soul realisation.
The functionalist perspective on family focuses on the ways in which the family contributes to the smooth functioning of society. It emphasizes the roles and functions that family members play in maintaining social order and stability. Functionalists view the family as a key institution that serves important functions, such as socializing children and providing emotional support.
Functionalists view social welfare as a system that provides support for individuals in society, ensuring social stability and cohesion. They see it as a mechanism to address social inequalities and maintain the overall functioning of society by meeting the needs of its members.
Functionalists view bilingualism as beneficial for individuals and society, facilitating communication and promoting cultural diversity. Conflict theorists view bilingualism as a source of inequality and segregation, where power dynamics determine which languages are promoted and valued in society.
Functionalism assumes that society can be examined like objects can be within the natural sciences. The functionalist view believes that cooperation among powerful democracies will eventually lead to the universal spread of democracy.
Functionalist