Perspective #2: Functionalism
The next theoretical perspective is called Functionalism, Structural Functionalism, or Functionalist Theory.
Functionalism claims that society is in a state of balance and stays that way through the function of society's component parts.
This theory has underpinnings in biological and ecological concepts. Early functionalists argued that society can be studied the same way the human body can be studied - by analyzing what specific systems are working or not working, diagnosing problems, and devising solutions to restore balance.
You can see evidence of functional processes in everyday society. Examples include: socialization, religious involvement, friendship, health care, economic recovery, peace, justice and injustice, population change, community, romantic relationships, marriage and divorce, and normal and abnormal family experiences.
Generally speaking, functions are the processes that occur in society that keeps it running smoothly.
Functionalists look at two types of functions.
- Manifests Functions
- Latent Functions
The concept of manifest and latent functions were developed by a sociologist named Robert Merton.
Manifest Functions are the apparent and intended functions of institutions in society.
Latent Functions are the less apparent, unintended, and often unrecognized functions in social institutions and processes.
What is the functino of a shopping center? Its manifest function - its intended to be a place to purchase goods and services. That said, some people might go to the shopping center, not to spend money, but to socialize. That is not the intent of the shopping center but yet becomes a function anyway. A place to socialize is its latent function.
When you begin a friendship, what function is it supposed to serve? The intended function of friendship is usually companionship, so companionship is the manifest function. Say our friend suggests a book or movie he or she really likes and you decide to read or view it. Broadening your literary or cinematic scope was not the intent of starting the friendship, but becomes a function - a latent function - of the friendship.
But what happens when things go wrong?
What if the shopping center becomes a magnet for criminal activity like shoplifting and muggings?
What if your friend turns into a bully? Sometimes things do not go as planned and the functions break down or are disrupted.
Functionalists would agree with Conflict Theorists that things break down in society and that unfair treatment of others is common. Under the functionalism perspective these breakdowns are called dysfunctions.
Dysfunctions are disruptions in society and its parts that threaten social stability.
Dysfunctions can be found throughout society in large and small-scale ways. Crime can bring dysfunction to communities. Divorce and abuse can bring dysfunction to families. Littering can bring dysfunction to our environment.
All of these things lead to instability in society.
As you can probably tell, Functionalism is more positive and optimistic that Conflict Theory, which is the basis for much criticism by many Conflict Theorists. Functionalists realize that just like the body, societies get "sick" or dysfunction. By studying society's parts and processes, Functionalists can better understand how society remains stable or adjusts to destabilizing forces when unwanted change is threatened.
According to this theory most societies find a healthy balance and maintain it (unless they don't and collapse as many have in the history of the world).
Equilibrium is the state of balance maintained by social processes that help society adjust and compensate for forces that might tilt it onto a path of destruction.
