Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism

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Functionalism
According to the functionalism theory, society is a complex system of interconnected parts that function together to contribute to social order and stability (Smith, 2020, p. 119). It emphasizes the importance of social institutions, starting from the smallest unit, the family, and even the larger units, such as education, religion, and the economy, which play a vital role in maintaining order and stability. Emile Durkheim first developed the theory, and other notable theorists such as Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton later expanded and elaborated on the theory. These functionalists highlight the importance of social institutions, social facts, and consensus in ensuring that society operates smoothly and that individuals know their roles and responsibilities within society.
Emile Durkheim, one of the pioneers of functionalism, argued that social facts have an independent existence and should be studied scientifically. He believed that social institutions perform vital functions, including creating social order, providing socialization, and promoting moral cohesion. Durkheim’s work also highlighted the importance of social norms and values in shaping individuals’ behavior and attitudes (Smith, 2020, p. 12).
Later, Talcott Parsons expanded on Durkheim’s ideas and developed a comprehensive social action theory. According to Parsons, social action is the behavior of individuals in response to social norms and values (Smith, 2020, p. 137). He identified four functional imperatives that social systems must meet to maintain equilibrium: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency. Adaptation refers to adjusting to changing environmental conditions, while goal attainment involves achieving society’s objectives. Integration refers to coordinating different parts of society, and latency refers to maintaining cultural patterns and values over time.
Meanwhile, Robert Merton, another functionalist theorist known as the founding father of sociology, highlighted the perspective of manifest and latent functions. Manifest functions are institutions' intended and acknowledged effects, whereas latent functions are unintended and undetected (Smith, 2020, p. 114). For instance, education’s manifest function is to provide students with knowledge and skills, but the latent function can be to promote socialization and social mobility. Merton also created the notion of anomie, the disintegration of social norms. He argued that social inequality and stratification could lead to anomie and cause deviant behavior in individuals.
Scholars criticize functionalism theory for its conservative bias and failure to account for social change and conflict. Critics argue that functionalism prioritizes social order and stability over individual freedom and progress. However, functionalism has significantly contributed to sociology, emphasizing social institutions, norms, and values and how various parts of society collaborate to uphold order.
In conclusion, functionalism is sociological, which sees society as a complex system with various components that collaborate to sustain order. Some theorists give light on the idea, such as ...