Structural functionalism, also known as functionalism, is a sociological perspective that explains society as a complex system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain social stability and cohesion. The structural functional approach views society as a system of interdependent components, each of which serves a specific function in maintaining the overall stability and functioning of society.
According to structural functionalism, every aspect of society, including its cultural, political, and economic institutions, serves a specific function in maintaining social stability and cohesion. For example, the family serves the function of socializing and caring for children, the economy serves the function of providing goods and services, and the government serves the function of maintaining social order and enforcing laws.
One of the key assumptions of structural functionalism is that social order is maintained through social institutions, which are the norms, values, and beliefs that shape behavior within a society. These institutions are thought to be essential for the maintenance of social order, as they provide a shared set of values and expectations for behavior within a society.
Another key assumption of structural functionalism is that social change occurs gradually and organically, as different parts of society adapt to changing conditions and circumstances. This perspective emphasizes the importance of social equilibrium, or balance, in maintaining social stability.
Critics of structural functionalism argue that this perspective tends to overemphasize the stability and cohesion of society, and may fail to adequately address social conflict and inequality. Additionally, some argue that this perspective tends to view individuals as passive actors, rather than active agents of social change.
Overall, the structural functional approach provides a useful perspective for understanding the complex interrelationships within society and the functions that different parts of society serve in maintaining social stability. However, it is important to consider the limitations of this perspective and to incorporate other sociological approaches in order to gain a more complete understanding of society and social change.