Causation and Functionalism in Sociology - Literature review Example

Functionalism Theory Functionalism is one of the key sociological theories. Functionalist theorists emphasize the role of stable patterns in governing human behavior. The theory also highlights the need for cooperation between all parts of a society. This essay will analyze the functionalist theory, with arguments on what the theory proposes. The study seeks to identify two prominent sociologists associated with the theory. In addition, the essay will focus on how these two images related to the theory. The essay will also explore how the theory relates to clients and individuals. Functionalism According to Miller (2009), functionalist theorists portray how social structures may undermine or maintain the social structure in society. The theory examines how the various parts of the society interrelate and contributes to the overall societal well being. This theory states that all the parts, which constitute the society, have a role to play. Isajiw (2003) asserts that the sustainability of the whole depends on the on the balance and stability of its components. All the parts have to stay in harmony and coexist with each other. This way, the whole system, will be worthwhile. Therefore, no part of the system can survive on its own. All the parts have to combine in making the society conducive. Functionalism theorists liken the society to the human body. The parts of the body have to function together to keep the body strong, stable, and healthy. These theorists argue that, as the human body consists of various parts, the same can be seen in the society. These parts have to maintain a state of equilibrium for the society to function (Brym, & Lie, 2009). Functionalists argued that the theory can be related to organic analogy. According to this theory, the society has evolved, over time, just like the human body. Society used to be simple in the past, a phenomenon that has witnessed tremendous changes. Unlike the past society, today’s society has become complex (Craig, et al, 2012). Functionalists also argue that social problems in the society can be solved by establishing equilibrium. The theory proposes that social equilibrium could be restored by creating new associations of workers. These associations could lower expectations of employees on what to hope for in life. Functionalists believe that social solidarity would rise if people agreed to want less (Tischler, 2010). This theory stresses the role of crime and deviance in society. Functionalism maintains that crime and deviance plays a role in society. Deviance reaffirms societal norms, promotes unity in the society, and challenges the status quo. Functionalists observe that crime gives jobs to the police, law enforcement officers, judges, and lawyers. Therefore, criminals have a role to play in society (Poggi, 2000). Functionalism explains social change in terms of societal variables. Functionalists argue that the society has advanced from simple to complex. This complex system consists of subsystems, which must work with one another. They also describe the society based on technological improvement and population growth (Turner, 2010). The theory purports that society has undergone a series of developments. These developments have led to the complexity of the society. Functionalists argue that, unlike the past, the current society has become unstable. The theory highlights the importance of the family, military, schools, economy, and religion in enhancing stability. All these parts had to function together and contribute to success in society. Functionalism lays down the positive as well as negative attributes of social institutions and structures. This theory attempts to explain the role, which the role social structures play in society. Functionalists argue that these structures constrain individual actions as a result of the way they relate to one another. Functionalists claim that individuals cannot be able to control the functioning of structures in society. Instead, the structures may determine and shape human behavior in different contexts. Functionalism theory tends to explain individuals in terms of the social positions held in society. For example, this theory explains the role of social stratification in explaining the positions that individuals hold. Functionalists rank institutions and positions based on how they contribute to the survival and societal well being. As such, positions that appear to be highly ranked have high rewards than low ranking positions. Therefore, functionalists purport the role that ranking and differentiation plays in society. Rewards motivate individuals to occupy certain positions, which seem prestigious. Functionalism explains the disparity witnessed in the various institutions, which constitute the society. Some institutions are central, and individuals may strive to control these institutions. For example, politics determine governing of the society. Political positions have high rewards as compared to positions in other institutions like education. According to Kendall (2012), the functionalism theory clearly states the role of each of the institutions, which make up the society. For example, the state provides education to children who belong to families. In return, the family pays taxes to the state, which the state utilizes to keep on running. The children get jobs and become law abiding citizens who pay taxes to support the state. Therefore, these two institutions of the family and the state depend on each other. This instance of mutual benefit between the state and family can be termed as one of the main arguments laid out by functionalism. Politics determine the system of governance in the society. Functionalists observe that, In the event of a harmonious coexistence, institutions of the society bring stability, order, and productivity. On the contrary, if all does not go well as planned, the parts of society may conflict. As a result, they may be forced to change the structure and adapt in order to regain stability and order. For example, during an economic crisis such as recession, financing of programs may be trimmed or cut to counter high rates of inflation and unemployment. Schools may be forced to offer fewer programs than they normally do. Similarly, families may tighten their budgets and spend less in such activities as leisure. All these efforts, as functionalists argue, aim at creating a new social order. According to Miller (2009), the theory of functionalism states that consensus and cohesion brings the society together. Society members agree to work towards achieving this cohesion. Functionalists argue that harmony will benefit the entire society. Functionalism theorists agree that consensus in society takes two forms; organic and mechanical solidarity. Organic solidarity involves the cohesion in societies where people engage in various kinds of work. It may be experienced in complex societies such as modern societies. Mechanical solidarity entails cohesion that results from maintaining similar beliefs, norms, and values. This consent mainly happens in elementary, traditional societies. Two Images relevant to the theory and how they relate to the theory Two images relevant to the theory include Durkheim and Talcott Parsons. Poggi (2000) observes that Durkheim can be regarded as one of the prominent figures in the theory of functionalism. Durkheim emphasized that social solidarity patterns influence the rates of suicide. He suggested that social solidarity leads to maintenance of social order. To Durkheim, industrialization and urbanization lowered social solidarity. He maintained some of the aspects of instability in society include high suicide rates and frequent strikes. Therefore, Durkheim proposed that the changing structure of society affected stability. Talcott Parsons used to be a leading American Functionalist. He believed that efforts to conform to the societal, moral code determined human behavior. Such codes restrict human behavior and enhance morality. Parsons maintained that the parts of the society have to function in ways, which promote maintenance of the whole. For Parsons, societal norms form the basis for survival. Deviation from norms leads to disunity and threatens the survival of the entire system. For example, divorce, extramarital sex, teen rebellion, and threaten family functioning (Hans, 1980). How the theory relates to the Client The theory of functionalism can be applied when dealing with clients. This theory can be useful in assisting clients such as those affected by marital conflicts. A counselor can emphasize the need for stability in the family using this theory (Ritzer, 2007). Sociologist can strive to understand the root causes of the conflicts in the family and make attempts to solve these conflicts. Kendall (2012) observes that the theory can be applied in understanding the functions of a family and its members. Thus, a family faced with role confusion can be helped using this theory. How the Theory relates to me as an Individual As an individual, the theory relates to me; it helps me understand the importance of the various structures and institutions in the society. Functionalism gives me insights into the factors needed for the proper functioning of the society. In addition, the theory helps me understand the need for interdependence between the various components of the society. This theory relates to me in that it helps me understand that institutions and structures in the society I live relate to one another. The theory also helps me understand that I am part of the whole, which consists of several other parts. References Brym, J. & Lie, J. (2009). Sociology: Your compass for a new world, the brief edition. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Isajiw, W.W. (2003). Causation and Functionalism in Sociology. London: Routledge. Craig, C., Joseph, G., James, M., Steven, P., Indermohan, V. (2012). Classical Sociological Theory. Oxford: Taylor & Francis. Hans, P.M. (1980). Talcott Parsons and the conceptual dilemma. London: Taylor and Francis. Kendall, D. (2012). Sociology in Our Times. New York: Cengage Learning. Miller, F. (2009). Structural Functionalism. London: VDM Publishing House Ltd. Poggi, G. (2000). Durkheim. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ritzer, G. (2007). Modern Sociological Theory. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Tischler, H. (2010). Introduction to Sociology. Belmont: Cengage Learning. Turner, J. (2010). Theoretical Principles of Sociology, Volume 1. California: Springer. Read More