(DISS 2) STRUCTURALISM and FUNCTIONALISM Student

DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONALISM (LESSON 2)
Structuralism and Functionalism are both theoretical perspectives where many differences can be
identified. Proposed by Ferdinand de Saussure, Claude Levi-Strauss and Radcliffe Brown, Structuralism can be
understood as a theoretic perspective that stresses the necessity of a structure of which all elements of a
society are part of. It understands the society by paying attention to the different links and affairs that
contribute to the establishment of the structure emphasizing that different elements are connected and are
part of a greater structure. This can be understood through the study of human culture, lifestyles, and
behavior which makes structuralism more subjective and philosophical. Which means behavior and lifestyle of
people from one region may be very different from those who live in other region.
The functionalist perspective is based largely on the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott
Parsons, and Robert Merton. According to functionalism, society is a system of interconnected parts that work
together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole. It is based on the idea
that each element of society has a function of their own and its interdependence with each element
contributes to the social order and social solidity. For instance, the family, economy, religion, education, and
political institution, each of these has a special role of its own and that their roles are unique and cannot be
satisfied by the others. Let’s say that the education institution does not exist, therefore, the secondary
socialization of the child will not take place. The child will be left unskilled because the child only gets his
education from the family which will make unskilled labor force and will result to poor economy. Simply put,
when disruption happens, it does not only affect a single institution but affects the balance of the entire
society.
The key principles of the functionalist perspective include the following:
1. Interdependency – One of the most important principles of functionalist theory is that society is
made up of interdependent parts. This means that every part of society is dependent to some
extent on other parts of society, so that what happens at one place in society has important effects
elsewhere. For example, the class requires a faculty member to teach a subject and the students to
learn it. Someone has to provide electricity to light the room, and in order for that electricity to be
provided, someone had to build a dam or provide fuel to the power plant.
2. Functions of Social Structure and Culture – Closely related to interdependency is the idea that
each part of the social system exists because it serves some function.
3. Consensus and cooperation – Another key principle in functionalist theory is that societies have a
tendency toward consensus; that is, to have certain basic values that nearly everyone in the society
agrees upon. Societies tend toward consensus in order to achieve cooperation. Functionalists
believe that inability to cooperate will paralyze the society, and people will devote more and more
effort to fighting one another rather than getting anything done.
4. Equilibrium – A final principle of functionalist theories is that of equilibrium (balance). This view
holds that, once a society has achieved the form that is best adaptive to its situation, it has reached
a state of balance or equilibrium, and it will remain in that condition until it is forced to change by
some new condition.
Functionalists view society as a kind of machine, where one part articulates (express or state clearly) with
one another to produce the dynamic energy required to make society work. Most important, functionalism
stresses the processes that maintain social order by stressing consensus and agreement. Structural
functionalism puts emphasis on social order and social stability not on conflict. It claims that society is made
up of different institutions or organizations that work together in cooperation – to achieve their orderly
relationship and maintain social order and social stability.
Functionalism states that what keeps society together is the function or role that all parts of a system
perform, assert, and play in order to preserve, maintain, and sustain society for posterity (descendants). No
society would want to destroy itself so that each and every part, institution and sector, must perform
expected roles and functions.
To avoid confusion, bear in mind that structuralism emphasizes that different elements are connected and
are part of an even larger constitution. Whereas functionalism highlights that every element of a society has
its functions. Both may emphasize that elements are interconnected, but the manner in which they are
connected is analyzed differently.
Functions of the element of society may be manifest or latent. Manifest functions are anticipated and
recognized while latent functions are unanticipated and unrecognized. Both functions whether manifest or
latent are meant for the benefit of the society. To illustrate, Manifest Function is the intended advantage that
will be derive from a certain social attribute. For example, establishment of the Anti – Bullying Law of 2012
aims to minimize and eventually eradicate bullying, it is the supposed manifest function while the latent
function is the sudden interest to clubs and organization that promotes anti bullying activities. From the said
illustration, we can infer that latent function is the unpredicted but otherwise extremely helpful outcome of
the stimuli.
While functions benefitted society, dysfunctions have reverse effect to the society. Manifest dysfunction is
the expected outcome of any activity while latent dysfunction is the unperceived effect of it. We can relate it
to the road widening, we can expect that because of the constructions there will be heavy traffic while the
latent dysfunction can be seen in the increasing number of accidents and establishments that use the newly
constructed roads as parking lot extension.

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DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

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