![]() ![]() ![]() Here, each function is seen as critical to the whole system hence systems that failed to adapt their functions accordingly failed or ceased to exist (Ishiyama & Breuning, 2010). In this respect, Darwin conceived of the idea of survival in functional terms. Functionalism assumed importance when Darwin’s evolution theories started to influence thinking about the behaviour of human beings. The history of functionalism can be traced to Aristotle’s study of ultimate causes in nature or of actions in connection to their ends, or utility. Structural functionalism has a lengthy history in social sciences and biological sciences (Merton, 1968). ![]() Historical Context of Structural Functionalism.This is why there is an abundance of literature, such as Susser (1992) and Levy (1968), using this school of thought to draw inferences between structure/function and political systems. Susser (1992) notes that the functional approach is utilized more often than any other method in the study of political science. With their broad application in the social sciences has come discussion of the appropriateness of the use of structure and function and the type of analysis connected with the concepts. The terms ‘functional analysis’ and ‘structural analysis’ have been used in different ways (Merton, 1968). Susser (1992) notes that both structural functionalism and the systems theory consider feedback in their analysis. There are similarities that connect functionalism to systems analysis. At this point, it is essential to note that despite the fact that structural functionalism predated the systems theory, it still presupposes a systems view of society and the political world. either directly or indirectly a system always has a boundary a systems consists of process that transform inputs into outputs and a systems can be nested or contained in another system (Senge, 1990). Systems thinking consists of the following attributes namely: a system consists of component parts all the parts of a system must be connected, i.e. Again, Senge (1990) notes that if you consider systems deeply and analyse the relationships between members or constituent parts, you will discover infinite complexity. System dynamics entails the study of complex systems, including human systems such as families, organizations, cities, and nations (Senge, 1990). The manner in which the constituent parts of social structures work in a coordinated manner reflects systems thinking. This observation highlights the relationship between structural functionalism and the systems theory. Here, structural-functionalists, such as Herbert Spencer, equate structure to anatomy and functions to the physiology of organisms.Įarlier, it was noted that social functionalism deals with social or societal structures and their constituent parts. Based on Parson’s (1975) perspective, social practices are said to play a functional part in sustaining the system as a whole. Furthermore, Parsons (1975) notes that structural-functionalism describes a particular stage in the methodological development of social science. For Talcott Parsons, one of the major contributors to the structural functionalism school of thought, (Parsons, 1975), structural functionalism can be likened to the human body while the organs represent the component parts. Macionis (2010) notes that structural functionalism views society as a whole, and believes that society tends to evolve in the same vein as living organisms. The emphasis is on social structures and social functions are deduced from these structures (Kingsbury & Scanzoni, 1993). It looks at society as a whole in terms of function of its constituent parts such as values, customs, traditions, and institutions (Subedi, 2000). Structural functionalism is a broad perspective in sociology and anthropology which views society as a structure with interconnected parts. ![]() The conclusions also highlight critical concerns of this school of thought together with directions for expanding the application of this school of thought to contemporary discourse. The paper concludes with a synthesis of the main findings from the discussions conducted. This paper also looks at the links of the structural-functionalism school of thought to specific disciplines, such as systems thinking and sociology. These issues inform the structure of this paper. Essentially, this paper critically evaluates structural functionalism by describing it, examining leading contributions towards this school of thought, examining its strengths and weaknesses, discussing its historical foundations, and exploring its relevance in contemporary society. This paper addresses the structural functionalism school of thought. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |