Structural functionalism, a macro-level sociological theory, posits that society is a complex system whose various parts work together to promote stability and solidarity. This theoretical framework was significantly shaped by Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist who emphasized the importance of social interactions and the logical functioning of society to protect the interests of its members.
Structural functionalism has been criticized for universalizing and normalizing social structures that can be seen as problematic or oppressive . It has been argued that this theoretical framework fails to address the negative consequences and dysfunctions that can arise from social structures
The strengths of structural functionalism are that it can accurately model many aspects of society, and that it relates society to other topics of study.
Talcott Parsons
He was certain that our actions reflect our own values or the values of the people around them.
He argued that everything that exists in a society exists for good reasons.
Parsons believed that all social dynamics (eg. relationships) could be understood through examining their functions in society.
He focused on social behaviour as a single entity or mass.
He helped structural functionalism establish strong roots in the U.S.
Parsons was a structural functionalist.
Emile Durkheim
He viewed humans as “social creatures,” who define themselves by their social interactions.
He paid close attention to the forces that bring people together in a society.
Durkheim argued that society functions logically and protects the interests of its members.
His theories greatly contributed to building the foundation of structural functionalism.
He is credited with creating the sociological method that is still used today.
Durkheim was a French sociologist.
It's a Macro Theory
Structural functionalism framework seeks to explain society as a complex system whose parts work together for stability and to promote solidarity. This theory is a macro-level theory, similar to looking down a helicopter hovering over society.