![]() Functionalism along with conflict theory and symbolic interactionism are the typical perspectives studied in sociology, but postmodern perspectives are challenging this tradition.Functionalism is a macrosociological perspective. ![]() ![]() Functionalist counterpoint: Inequality serves a purpose as it promotes solidarity among the affected classes and incentives people to work and improve themselves.Functionalism is far too conservative and accepting of the status quo, particularly inequality.Functionalist counterpoint: Higher status individuals have more power, prestige, and wealth because they are more important to a functional and stable society.Functionalism understates the power imbalances and the role of conflict within society.Robert Merton (1910–2003) furthered the developed of functionalism, building on Durkheim and Parsons, contending there are two types of functions: latent functions and manifest functions.To understand functionalism think of different aspects of society as parts of the human body, each part serving a purpose.Durkheim suggested that society was more than the sum of its constituent parts, with each part providing stability and in someway relying on all other aspects of society. Functionalism originates in the work of Auguste Comte (1798–1857) and Émile Durkheim (1858–1917), who was interested in social order and how how societies maintain stability over time.Dysfunctions within society negatively affect all other parts and create social problems.Deviance leads to change as society must adapt to maintain or achieve stability.Functionalism emphasizes that social stability and order comes from shared behaviors, norms, and values.The basic assumption of functionalism is that all structures, particularly institutions within society serve a purpose or function, contributing the stability of the social system.British English – /fUHngkshUH-nuh-li-zuhm/.American English – /fUHngshnUH-liz-uhm/.family: Provides reproduction and protection of children as a primary agent of socialization fosters understanding of expected behaviors, norms, and values.education: Transmits knowledge to the next generation, teaching good citizenship, and preparation for future work.Those that are labeled deviant will develop a collective identity. deviance: Creates social solidarity by branding some behaviors as deviant. ![]() This shift justifies the discrimination ( ageism) older people experience as they become less useful to society.
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