Classical Framework:

Function
Functionalism
Proponents of Functional Theory
Associating functional theory in the
society
Social Cohesion and Integration
Structural Functionalism
Also called structural functional theory, it is a
framework/perspective in sociology that sees society as a
complex system whose parts work together to promote
solidarity and stability.
Addresses society as a whole in terms of the function of
its constituent elements namely: norms, customs,
traditions, and institutions.
States that what keeps the society together is the functions
of parts.

Herbert Spencer and Robert Merton were the major

contributors to this perspective.
Important concepts in Functionalism

Social Structure
o Are the relatively stable patterns of social behaviour.
o Functionalism asserts that our lives are guided by Social
Structures.
o Each social structure has social function.
Social Function
o It is the consequences for the operation of society as a
whole.
o Education, for example, has several important functions in a
society, such as socialization, learning, and Social placement.
Types of Social Function

 Manifest Function
o Are consequences of social processes that are seen
or anticipated. (intended and commonly recognized
consequences)

o For example, in college education, the manifest

function are gaining knowledge, prepairing for a
career, and finding a good job that utilizes that
education.
 Latent Function
o Are the unsought or unintended consequences of social
processes.
oFor example, the latent function of your college years
include, meeting new people, participating in extracurricular
activities, or even finding a spouse or partner.

 Social dysfunction
oAny undesirable consequences that distrupt the
operation of society.
oFor example, the social dysfunction of education includes
not getting good grades, a job, etc.
Proponents of Functional Theory
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)

Was a French sociologist.

He formally established the academic discipline
and– with W. E. B. Du Bois, Karl Marx and Max
Weber– is commonly cited as the principal architect of
modern social science.
Emile Durkheim

 was an early sociologist, who applied Spencer’s theory to explain

how societies change and survive over time.
He believed that society is complex system of interrelated and
interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability, and
that society is held together by shared values, languages, and
symbols.
Believed that in order to study society, sociologists have to look
beyond individuals to social facts (laws, morals, values, religious
beliefs, customs, fashions, rituals, and all of the cultural rules that
govern social life.
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)

 was a British philosopher, biologist, anthropologist,

sociologist, and prominent classical liberal political theorist of
the Victorian Era.
famous for applying the theory of natural selection to society.
Talcott Parsons (1902-1979)

 Was an American sociologist of the classical

tradition, best known for his action theory and
structural functionalism.
 Viewed society as a system.
In his view, the values of society are rooted in
religion.
 He argued that any social system has four basic
functional prerequesites: adaptation, goal attainment,
integration and pattern maintenance. These can be
seen as problems that society must solve if it is to
survive. The function of any part of social system is
understood as its contribution to meeting the functional
prerequisites.
Robert K. Merton (1910-2003)

Was an American sociologist.

He spent most of his career teaching at Columbia
University, where he attained the rank of University
Professor.
Made important refinements to functionalist thought. He
believed that any social structure probably has many
functions, some more obvious than others.
He also developed the concept of deviance and made the
distinction between manifest and latest functions.
 he states that by recognizing and examining the
dysfunctional aspects of society, we can explian the
development and persistence of alternatives.
How can you
associate Functional
Theory in the
society?
Social Cohesion and Integration
Social Cohesion and Social Integration

 These terms were first coined by British

sociologist David Lockwood.
Social Cohesion

Defined as a cohesive society that works

towards the well-being of all the members the
opportunity of upward mobility.
A process of enhancing social interaction.
Concerns about: Social Inclusion, Social Capital,
and Social Mobility
Social Integration

 Refers to the principles by which

individuals or actors are related to one
another in a society.
Refers primarily to the ‘adjustment of
conflict’.
 It is concerned with the coordination and
mutual adjustment of the parts of the
social system.
It is a dynamic and structured process in which
all members participate in dialogue to achieve
and maintain peaceful social relations.
 Focused on the need to move towards a safe,
stable and just society by mending conditions of
social fragmentation, exclusion and polarization,
and by expanding and strengthening conditions
of social relations of coexistence, collaboration
point.