Evaluation of Functionalism

Functionalism is one of sociology's core foundational theories. It was pioneered by scholars like Durkheim and Parsons, who are widely regarded as some of the most influential sociologists of all time.

However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't be critical when approaching these theories, not only because society has drastically changed since they were established, but also because we now have a large and extensive body of sociological research. This makes us more informed and enlightened about the world than we once were.

• We will be evaluating the functionalist perspective.
• We'll start with a quick refresher on the main idea of functionalism as a structural-consensus theory.
• This will be followed by a critical evaluation of functionalism. We will examine its strengths and limitations in illustrating the what's, how's, and why's of society.

What are the main ideas of functionalism in sociology?

The main ideas of functionalism can be summarised in its double-worded descriptor: structural-consensus.

A structural-consensus theory

Functionalism is one of sociology's core foundational theories.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary of Sociology (2006, p. 218), “functionalists argue that society should be understood as a system of interdependent parts. The different parts of social life depend on each other and fulfil functions contributing to social order and its reproduction”.

The three main assumptions of functionalism are as follows:

• Institutions and structures work independently and interdependently to produce and reproduce social order in society.

• Individuals' norms, values, and behaviours are highly influenced by society's structures and institutions.

• Social order and stability exist because society is based on a value consensus, which means that everybody agrees on what society should look like, how we should behave, and how to achieve that standard.

The importance of functionalism

As mentioned, functionalism is one of sociology's core foundational theories. The movement which brought functionalist theory to popularity was spearheaded by some of the most influential scholars of the social sciences.

The key functionalist theorists

Let's look at the theories of Durkheim, Spencer, Parsons, and Merton.

Émile Durkheim

Durkheim suggested that each of society's structures and institutions serves a valuable function that contributes to the existing social order. Examples of structures which serve such functions are education, religion, and crime.

Herbert Spencer

Talcott Parsons

Parsons identified the four sub-systems (economic, political, family, and cultural) which make up the overall structure of society. He argued that these sub-systems depend on one another to fulfil their functions so that each sub-system can also fulfil its own.

Robert Merton

Merton provided an internal critique of functionalism by highlighting that not all functions of society's institutions are expected or even desired. He identified two types of functions – manifest functions (expected/anticipated consequences) and latent functions (unsought consequences of social processes).

What are the critical evaluations of functionalism?

Sociological theories should be critically evaluated to make sure they are updated and suitable to explain the workings of contemporary society.

As mentioned, it's important to evaluate even sociology's oldest theories because our ways of life, thinking, and knowledge have changed. This means the lenses through which we see society should also be updated. Additionally, we need to be aware of the relative strengths and limitations of these theories so that we can effectively apply them to other social phenomena. Let's dive in!

Strengths of the functionalist perspective

• Functionalism recognises that people's norms, values, and behaviours are influenced by broad social structures.

• Moreover, the functionalist perspective also provides a sound explanation as to why most people conform to the laws and norms of society.

• Functionalism helps explain the two levels of institutional functioning – social institutions both serve the needs of society as a whole, but also those of the individual.

Limitations of the functionalist perspective

Despite its influence, functionalism has been widely critiqued by sociologists from different theoretical perspectives.

The conflict approach's critique of functionalism

Unlike the consensus approach (which functionalism takes), the conflict approach sees society as being based on the conflict between two or more social groups. A major critique raised by conflict perspectives, such as Marxism and feminism, is that functionalism is too optimistic.

For instance, functionalists suggest that social stratification is beneficial because it allocates individuals to roles based on their talent and functional importance. However, Marxists argue that social stratification is based on a system of inequality, which is harmful to the working class due to economic exploitation and the class conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.

Similarly, feminists might offer a critique of the functionalist perspective of the family. Talcott Parsons is known for many of his contributions to functionalism, including the warm bath theory. Here, he proposed that the family acts as a metaphorical 'warm bath' that helps the male breadwinner relax after a long, stressful day at work. Feminists argue that this theory dismisses the prevalence of domestic violence perpetrated by men in the family, and fails to consider the unequal power dynamics in many nuclear families – particularly the relationship between a husband and wife.

The interactionist critique of functionalism

Interactionism is a sociological microtheory that takes a bottom-up approach to understanding society. Rather than believing that society shapes the individual, interactionists hold that social interactions, interpretations, and the meanings which people attach to them are what constitutes 'society'.

However, functionalists suggest that people's norms, values, and behaviours are all shaped by broad social systems which we are neither aware of, nor can we change. As such, the major critique of functionalism put forward by interactionist theorists is that it is far too deterministic.

Postmodernist critique of functionalism

Postmodernism is a relatively new branch of thinking in the social sciences. The main premise of postmodernism is that society is now much more individualised and less predictable than it once was.

As such, postmodernists critique functionalism (as well as other structural theories like Marxism and feminism) by arguing that they can no longer explain human behaviour. What does explain human behaviour are the modern patterns of globalisation and consumerism, which make society fragmented and identities particularly unique. Socialisation and broad structural influences no longer matter when it comes to shaping our norms, values, and behaviour. In sum, the functionalist theory, according to postmodernist theorists, is largely outdated.