Function A List

FUNCTIONALIST

View of Society/Characteristics/Premises -“natural laws” govern society -organicism (biological analogy) -synergistic -macro/meso level analysis -system of interrelated and interdependent parts -parts must fulfill certain functions for smooth operation of society -society is objective, stable, and cohesive -order = consensus of members on common values -parts have fixed social roles -society has requisite (necessary) needs -inequality is inevitable and functional for society -social change is internal = disorganization -social change = adjustments to return to balance/equilibrium -social change = slow, gradual, and incremental -social change = disruption of balance -dysfunctions are some times functional for some others

Weaknesses and Criticisms -conservative and idealistic view of society -underplays power differences among and between groups -ignores conflict and diversity as inherent aspects of reality -bias toward balance/equilibrium -society is static (ahistorical) -micro is only a dependent variable affected by meso/macro structures Concepts/Issues/Terms -integration-interdependence-stabilityequilibrium-organicism-dysfunctionsmanifest and latent functions-social structure-institutions-exchange theoryfunctional prerequisites of system-behaviorism (conditioning)