The Feature of Sociology Functionalism - Essay Example

Introduction Functionalism is an approach in sociology that requires the interpretation of each part of the society in terms of how the populace makes its contributions to the stability of the society. In simple terms, functionalism in the society simply means analyzing each contribution made to the society by each and every societal branch. In this regard, functionalism requires that the society be constituted of contributions made by each and every individual. The parts of the society that have been described are the institutions that make up the society. Each of these has been recognized to fill the needs that are used to shape up the society as a whole. The argument is based on the fact that the community is based on the contribution of each and every person. This argument has been developed on the basis of the proponents made by Emile Durkheim who believes that the society is based on social facts, collective conscience and social stability. He cites these three factors as the tenets that drive society (Runciman, 997). Certain critics have intimated that society’s existence is based on the individual effort that each and every person places on issues ascribed to them. Functionalism has been criticized for its failure to give an account of social changes and individual agency, and as a result some individuals have, therefore, considered it a baseless argument. In as much as Emile is considered the father of the functional approach, Talcott Parsons has also presented arguments on the same paradigm. Talcott Parsons developed the action theory that explained the issues of functional approach in a better way. The two (Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parson) are well-versed persons on issues ascribed to functionalism and thus have played a great role in ensuring that the society undergoes so much success. They attempt to explain that society at times fails to succeed simply because the people have opted to develop selfish interests. Through these two individuals, it has been simple for the society to get to understand the importance of collective thoughts along with the importance of making proper decisions (Seidman, 2013). A society can simply succeed through the efforts that they make collectively rather than the efforts of individuals. Durkheim’s perspective Durkheim has been described as the father of the functionalism theory that is used in sociology. In his great works, he has tried to make society comprehend the importance of consolidating their thoughts and thinking as one so that they can develop better bargains rather than thinking as individuals, a modus operandi that ultimately results in a dysfunctional society vested in individual interests. Durkheim presents the society through his theory, as one complex system that does not only need the effort of individuals, but rather the efforts of the entire society. He presents the following arguments: Collective conscience The sociologist believes that the society needs to think as a unit entity by using the conscience of the society at large and not the conscience of an individual. It is emergent that the school of thought developed by Durkheim regarding the society always trying to consolidate their thought is the best one for progressive functional society (Merton, 2008). Functionalism, according to Durkheim, involves collective thinking as a society along with functional contribution by each and every person. By the society coming together to converge their thoughts, they are bound to develop collective ideas that in the long run ensure the implementation of reasonable ideas in lieu of the selfish ideas propagated by the leaders entrusted by society to make independent decisions. Collective conscience emerges when the society holds the same beliefs and is also interested in ensuring that these ideas get to be implemented. The society in this case opts to adopt a common belief on several issues in life and is hence involved in developmental programs and is not governed by a single entity that can be characterized by corruption (Murphy, 2008). Social Stability Durkheim believes in the fact that functionalism must also constitute social stability. A society characterized by the functional approach enjoys social stability. This only emerges as a result of the society making joint decisions on the basis of consultation and agreement (Blackwell et al, 2012). Durkheim explicates the fact that a society in which the populace operates as a unit entity will end up having social stability. For such a society, this will only take place if for a fact that same society has decided to consolidate all their ideas and always present them as one issue. They will speak with one voice and then emerge as a stable society that is not characterized by any form of discrimination as well (Giddens, 2001). Discrimination in societies of this caliber cannot exist since they already revere the importance of existing a unit entity and this eventually defines them as a stable society. Parson’s Perspective Parson is another theorist that has invested so much in convincing the populace about the fact that functionalism is the best paradigm for any society. His arguments were based on: Social order The theorist cited the fact that social order is a key role that Functionalism plays. He says that indeed, social order is always a result of the society coming together and identifying the roles that each and every party should play. By each member of the society getting to know his or her roles, it is automatic that such a society will then come to order as well (Ekegren, 2009). A society that has always been characterized by turn taking is one that always ensures that success is the key to all their proclivities in the quest to espouse their developmental agenda. Social order is one of the main advantages that functionalism always accompanies; a situation whereby each and every person can easily identify their functions and at the same time sort out their domestic requirements (Mith, 2003). This is all an issues that can be easily addressed by social order, owing to the fact that it is espoused by the functional approach to sociology Social equilibrium Parson argues that social equilibrium or equality in the society can be achieved through functionalism (Smith, 2003). The division of roles amongst all the community members leads to a social equilibrium arising since each and every person will be having a specific role that they do play, therefore, leading to a balance of thought and duty in that society. The society needs a balance between both the upper class and the lower class, a function that can only be achieved through the functionalism approach as such. Distinction between the two arguments Durkheim’s argument is based on the future development of the society; both arguments of Durkheim are based on future targeted developments in lieu of an existent development. The argument examines a targeted development that is anticipated while the argument presented by Parson is based on an existent development. In as much as the basis of their paradigm is the same, their ideologies have got quite different aims. The argument presented by Durkheim is based on fact while Parson’s argument is based on theory (Inglis & Thorpe, 2012). Durkheim is always looking at the facts as they unfold while Parson is always a theory maker. Durkheim’s interest was especially vested in the possibility of social order as well as the manner in which society stays relatively stable; Durkheim intimates that a society in which the populace operates as a unit entity will end up having social stability. Parsons concluded that every individual has specific expectations of another person’s actions and the reaction to their own behavior. He intimated that these expectations are derived from values and norms that are accepted by society within which they dwell. Unlike Durkheim, he placed emphasis on the fact that it is impossible to have a perfect fit between norms and behaviors to bring about a perfectly functional society (Weber & Parsons, 2012). Conclusion Functionalism is a feature in sociology that always looks at the society’s development through the involvement of each and every person. The father of this feature has been identified as Emile Durkheim (Best, 2003). In this paradigm, each person has to play a role that finally leads to the total development of the society. The populace is obligated to do a lot to ensure that they always act in tandem with each other so that they might be able to progress in their needs as a unit entity (Waters, 2004). In such communities, it is imperative that each individual be involved considerably in the improvement of the society by ensuring that take their designated roles into account and ensure that they are implemented to the mint. The results of functionalism can be cited in societies that are always democratic since each person has been allowed to take up a role and make sure that the role is completed to satisfaction. References Best, S. (2003). A beginners guide to social theory. London: SAGE. 
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