Theoretical Perspectives: Structural Functionalism

Summary

In this video, Mr. Sin explains structural functionalism, a sociological theory introduced by Émile Durkheim. The theory views society as a complex system, similar to a clock or car, where every person and institution has a specific role to maintain equilibrium. The video explores key concepts such as manifest and latent functions, institutions, and social facts, discussing how society operates through interdependence. Structural functionalism emphasizes stability and gradual change, while acknowledging its struggles with explaining rapid societal shifts. The video also covers critiques of the theory, including its tendency to justify inequality.

Takeaways

• 📚 Structural functionalism views society as a complex system where every part has a role to maintain balance, similar to how components of a clock or cell work together.
• ⚙️ Society is seen as being in equilibrium, with institutions and social facts maintaining balance to prevent rapid change.
• 🏫 Manifest functions are the intended purposes of institutions, such as schools teaching students to prepare them for society.
• 🎭 Latent functions are unintended consequences of institutions, which can be either positive or negative, such as forming friendships at school.
• 🏛️ Institutions, such as schools, government, media, and hospitals, are essential for society’s functioning and preventing radical changes.
• 📜 Social facts, like laws and customs, influence individuals daily without them realizing, becoming evident when one tries to go against them.
• 🔄 Structural functionalism struggles to explain massive social changes, as the theory assumes society naturally resists radical change to maintain stability.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Traditional family roles (man as breadwinner, woman as caretaker) are examples used to show how structural functionalism can validate inequality by assigning specific roles to people.
• 🕰️ The U.S. government’s slow processes, like the filibuster, are seen as ways to prevent rapid change and maintain societal balance, a concept supported by structural functionalism.
• ⚖️ The theory validates some inequality by suggesting that different people are suited to different tasks, which contributes to society’s overall functioning.

Q & A

What is structural functionalism?

Structural functionalism is a theory created by Émile Durkheim that views society as a complex system similar to a clock, car, or living cell, where different parts have specific functions, and everything works together to maintain equilibrium.

How does structural functionalism view society?

Structural functionalism views society as a whole, focusing on large institutions and their roles, rather than individuals. It emphasizes that every part of society has a function and works together to maintain stability and equilibrium.

What is a manifest function?

A manifest function is the intended purpose or primary goal of an institution. For example, the manifest function of schools is to educate students and prepare them for adulthood and the workforce.

What is a latent function?

A latent function is an unintended consequence of an institution's function. For instance, a latent function of schools might be the formation of friendships or social groups that can have both positive and negative effects.

What are social institutions, according to structural functionalism?

Social institutions are structures created to ensure society's functioning and progress. Examples include schools, the media, government agencies, hospitals, and the military, each serving a distinct role within society.

What are social facts in structural functionalism?

Social facts are external forces, such as laws, religious beliefs, and customs, that influence individuals and society as a whole. These facts often go unnoticed in daily life but become apparent when individuals deviate from societal expectations.

How does structural functionalism deal with rapid societal change?

Structural functionalism struggles with explaining rapid or significant societal change, as it views society as maintaining equilibrium and resisting large shifts. Change happens minimally and gradually, adapting only as necessary.

Can latent functions have positive or negative effects?

Yes, latent functions can have both positive and negative effects. For example, forming supportive friendships at school is a positive latent function, while falling into bad habits like drug use due to peer influence is a negative latent function.

Why is inequality validated by structural functionalism?

Structural functionalism suggests that inequality is necessary for society to function because different people are suited for different tasks. It assumes that certain roles must be fulfilled for society's benefit, leading to unequal distributions of power and resources.

What is an example of structural functionalism in practice?

One example is the traditional family structure where the man is the breadwinner, the woman takes care of the household, and the children focus on education. Each member has a specific role that contributes to the family unit and society's overall stability.