Merton criticised the idea that all parts of society are bound together, and that one dysfunctional part will negatively affect the whole. Some would argue that i ndividuals can form their own roles and identities independent of society. It also sees non-participation in society as undesirable, as this can lead to anomie.įunctionalism over-emphasises the impact of social structures in shaping individuals. Society is not a consensus-based system.Ī Feminist critique holds that functionalism ignores gender inequalities.įunctionalism may prevent social change, as it encourages individuals to stick to specified roles. We will mention the further sociologists and concepts: Émile DurkheimĪ Marxist critique of the theory states that functionalism ignores social class inequalities. We will discuss theories and key researchers of functionalism. They established functionalist arguments in several areas of sociological research, including education, family formation and social inequality. ![]() Further key theorists of this sociological perspective were Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton. This is also called a 'top-down' theory.įunctionalism was 'founded' by French sociologist, Émile Durkheim. Individuals are the product of social structures and socialisation. It is a structural theory, which means it believes societal structures shape individuals. It places importance on our shared norms and values, by which society is enabled to function. Finally, we will evaluate functionalist theory from the perspective of other sociological theories.įunctionalism is a key consensus theory.We will discuss the work of Émile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton.Then we will mention examples of key theorists and concepts within functionalism. ![]()
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