Question

Structural functionalist discuss three types of functions. What are they? Explain each one. Which do you feel they would focus on the most and why?

Answer 1

Structural functionalism sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. Each of the part has a separate function for e.g. Law has a function to protect society from violence. It was one of the functionalists, Robert Merton, who observed that some functions were intentional while others were not. He also recognized that some functions were disrupting society. These functions are known as the manifest functions, latent functions and dysfunctions, respectively. They are explained below:

• Manifest functions

These are the obvious consequences of activities, which are intended to help some part of the social system. Taking the example of Education as a social structure, it's manifest function would be to empower students with skill so they can land a good job & consequentially have a good career.

• Latent functions

These functions are those consequences of activities, which are unintended and often remain unrecognized too. But they too help some part of the social system. In the above example of education, it has a latent function to establish a good economy. Since better career for people will lead to more income and them buying more goods, thus resulting in a thriving economy.

• Dysfunctions or Social Dysfunctions

Dysfunctions are those consequences of activities, which are harmful to some part of the social system. For example, some people might argue that education as a social structure, is harming the society by grading people on same tests & a set of skills which in a way is suppress individuality of a person.

Functionalists have generally been perceived as complacent and not supporting people to take an active role in changing their social environment. Instead, functionalism sees active social change as undesirable because the various parts of society will compensate naturally for any problems that may arise. So the dysfunctions will definitely not be their main focus. And manifest functions become easily apparent, leaving not much room for study.

So, according to me, latent functions should be the one they would focus most on. Since latent functions often demand a sociological approach to be revealed. A sociological approach is the consideration of relationship between the functions of smaller parts and the functions of the whole. This in turn will help them better understand the workings of functionalism in promoting a stable society.