Structural Functionalism And Structural Theory - 782 Words

Structural functionalism is a macro level approach to study sociology (Browning, 2015). Structural functionalists believe social consensus is what holds society together; social consensus being a condition in which most members of the society agree on what would be good for everyone. Structural functionalists view society as a web of social structures, each structure being functional to fulfill it’s own needs, but dependent on all other structures for survival (Vago, 2012). The Criminal Justice system is a working system and can be explained through the eyes of a structural functionalist. It is a system comprised of many interconnected structures each with their own functions, but without one another would cease to exist. Structural functionalist believes formal social control, or law, keeps society together and that the legal system creates boundaries and a system of right or wrong (Browning, 2015). The criminal justice system is comprised of three parts: police, courts, and corrections. Each component has its own duties, responsibilities, and distinct purposes, but would fail if not effectively working with each other component. Police enforce what is right or wrong, courts provide means of checking whether laws reflect majority of society, and corrections maintain social solidarity through control of an offender (Vago, 2012). Structural functionalists view law, or the criminal justice system, as effectively controlling individuals’ behavior (Browning, 2015). Police,Show MoreRelatedReactionism And Structural Functionalism Theory992 Words   |  4 PagesI. Introduction Have you ever felt that everything in this world is interconnected in some way? It’s as if everything won’t function if one thing fails to do what it’s supposed to do. This is structural functionalism. II. Theory and Definition Structural functionalism theory states that society is held together by social bonds, which are religion, shared values, traditions and cultural norms. Every one of them has the same goals and agendas they want to achieve. Each individual is assigned a certainRead MoreStructural Functionalism And Conflict Theory972 Words   |  4 Pagesand institutions. Some sociological theories are better at explaining the social world at a macro level than they are at a micro level, and vice versa. Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory are best for macrosociology while Symbolic Interactionism is best for microsociology. The purpose of this paper is to explain how the sociological perspective has helped me better understand the social world on both a macro and micro level. Structural Functionalism is the idea that society is a unifiedRead MoreStructural Functionalism And Conflict Theory1882 Words   |  8 PagesShort Answer Questions 1) Based on your readings, in class lectures, notes and discussions, in one to two paragraphs for each, describe and explain the analytical tenets of a) Structural Functionalism; b) Symbolic Interactionism; and c) Conflict Theory. Structural Functionalism aims to understand society in an objective way. It views society as an entity that is â€Å"objectively real†. It emphasizes the unity of society, and how individuals perform roles and how these roles are vital in meeting theRead More The Structural Theory of Functionalism Essay640 Words   |  3 PagesIn social science, Functionalism is the theory that put pressure on the dependence of the patterns and institutions of our society and her interaction by preserving her cultural and society unity. In Sociology, functionalism came from the sociologist EMILE DURKHEIM, who viewed our society as a sort of â€Å"ORGANISM† that brings with it certain â€Å"needs† that must be complete. The American sociologist Talcott Parsons analysed very extensive societies with regards to their social order, integration andRead MoreStructural Functionalism and Conflict Theory1541 Words   |  7 PagesStructural Functionalism amp; Conflict Theory Karl Marx and Max Weber were the first conflict theorists in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following Marx and Weber were three mid-20th century conflict theorists: Lewis Coser, Ralf Dahrendorf, and Randall Collins. Coser draws his theoretical ideas from Simmel. Like Simmel, Coser maintains that conflict is healthy for society. In contrast, Dahrendorf combines theoretical ideas from Marx and Weber. Dahrendorf sees power as the main feature in allRead MoreStructural Functionalism And Functional Theory Essay1187 Words   |  5 PagesStructural Functionalism (SF) theory often referred to as Structural Function Theory or Functional Theory, no matter what name is used, the main context of the theory remains the same. There are many existent interpretations of the theory, however according to Smith and Hamon (2012) SF theory is based on two basic assumptions agreed by all: (a) â€Å"the functions of families is to procreate and socialize children† and (b) â€Å"all systems ha ve functions† (p. 44). Additionally, they further elaborate on functionalRead MoreConflict Theory Vs. Structural Functionalism978 Words   |  4 PagesConflict Theory vs. Structural Functionalism, this is like a fight between conservative and liberal. Structural Functionalism is a sociological theory that focuses on the structures of society and their functional significance (positive and negative consequences) for other structures (Ritzer, 2013). In another word, Structural Functionalism focuses on hierarchy, high position in the society. The theory is based on the belief that a person who held a high position like doctor or lawyer should getRead MoreStructural Functionalism, Neo-Functionalism Conflict Theory System3328 Words   |  14 PagesStructural Functionalism, Neo-Functionalism Conflict Theory System Theory The origin of sociology developed and took place in Europe during the early eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The factors that led to the development of sociology are industrial economy, the growth of cities, and political change. Europe was changing from agriculture to factory production. Masses of people moved to the cities in search of work. In cities people met anonymity, crowding, filth, and poverty. The IndustrialRead MoreSocial Theories : Structural Functionalism, Marxism, And Existentialism915 Words   |  4 PagesNumerous social theories emerged to explain society and the human condition during the 19th and 20th centuries. Deeply embedded within the social experiences and predicaments of prominent theorists, the perspectives and priorities understood to be significant indications of society’s inner workings varied tremendously. These theories developed a specific view point on the importance of ideals such as culture, production, structure, language, and individua lism within society. The role of the individualRead MoreGeorge Peter Murdocks Theory Of Structural Functionalism953 Words   |  4 Pages In the theory of Structural Functionalism, one believes that society is made up of many parts which depend on each other to work and if one fails, all will fail. Imagine the body; each organ has a set function. If the heart stopped doing what it was supposed to be doing and tried to digest your food, what would happen? Functionalists consider family as an essential building block of society. This is an analogy to decide that if one part of society actually starts failing, the society dies. George