Question

Structural functionalism attempts to explain the social world through the functions of social structures. Describe the types of functions that social structures can fulfill.

Answer 1

Structural functionalism is a perspective of society that views it as consisting of several different structures, all performing different functions to maintain order, security, and stability in the society. It can be said to be a macro-level perspective of understanding society, its functioning, and its evolution. As the functions prioritized in any society change over time, there will be simultaneous changes in its social structures also. For instance, the evolution of the social structure of "family" over time due to the changing notions of relationships and the consequent change in the functions that people expect a family to perform.

Social structures tend to perform multiple functions in a society. Let's take the family as an example. The family fulfills the functions of fulfilling emotional and belongingness needs. It also establishes kinship ties, promotes sexual monogamy and reproduction, and the passing on of one's way of living, culture etc. on to one's children. Another social structure such as the government fulfills the functions of administration and development of the specific regions where it is in power. The social structure of religion fulfills the function of social cohesion, promotion of similar value systems, promotion of positive human virtues, self-discipline and self-regulation. It is important to note that not all functions being performed by these institutions always have positive outcomes. Some of the functions can be detrimental for society; in such a case, these functions become "dysfunctions." For example, religion can result in the dysfunction of promoting prejudice and hatred against people having different beliefs, and governments can have the dysfunction of becoming autocratic and interfering overtly in the personal lives of its countrypeople.