structural functionalism theory examples

In this case, one's role orientation is either in terms of her private interests or in terms of the interests of the collectivity. collective interest dilemma: self-orientation vs. The second set of pattern variables of role-definition are the private vs.parsons says, ''no actor can subsist without gratifications, while at the same time no action system can be organized or integrated without the renunciation of some gratifications which are available in the given situation''. The dilemma here is in deciding whether one expresses their orientation in terms of immediate gratification (affectivity) or whether they renounce immediate gratification in favor of moral interests (affective-neutrality). The first is the gratification-discipline dilemma: affectivity vs. There are five pattern variables of role-definition that Parsons discusses, although he says that there are many more possibilities.Parsons argues that there are a strictly limited and defined set of alternatives or choices that can be made, and the relative primacies given to choices constitute the ''patterning of relational institutions.'' These choices or alternatives are called orientation-selection. Pattern variables are ''the principle tools of structural analysis outlining the derivation of these categories from the intrinsic logic of social action - the inherent dilemmas of choice facing actors''.Latency (pattern maintenance): The fiduciary system (schools, family) handles the latency function by transmitting culture to actors and allowing it to be internalized by them.Integration: The integration function is performed by the societal community (law), which coordinates the various components of society.

Goal attainment: The polity(or political system) performs the function of goal attainment by pursuing societal objectives and mobilizing actors and resources to that end.Adaptation: The economy is the subsystem that performs the function for society of adapting to the environment through labor, production, and allocation.Latency (pattern maintenance): a system must furnish, maintain, and renew both the motivation of individuals and the cultural patterns that create and sustain that motivation.It also must manage the relationship among the other three functional imperatives Integration: a system must regulate the interrelationship of its component parts.Goal attainment: a system must define and achieve its primary goals.It must adapt to its environment and adapt the environment to its needs. Adaptation: a system must cope with external situational exigencies.System tend toward self-maintenance involving the maintenance of boundaries and of the relationship of parts to the whole, control of environmental variations, and control of tendencies to change the system.Allocation and integration are two fundamental processes necessary for a given state of equilibrium of a system.Systems maintain boundaries with environments.The nature of one part of the system has an impact on the form that the other state of equilibrium of system.The system may be static or involved in an ordered process of change.System tend toward self-maintaining order, or equilibrium.Systems have the property of order and interdependence of parts.Functional imperatives There are four functional imperatives that are necessary for all systems-adaptation(A), goal attainment(G), integration(I), and latency(L),or pattern maintenance.Ī set of assumptions of Structural functionalism.Function A function is a complex of activities directed towards meeting a need or needs of the system.Representatives of the debate: Marx and Comte, Simmel and Durkheim, Dahrendorf and Parsons.In contrast, conflict theories emphasize the dominance of some social groups by others, see social order as based on manipulation and control by dominant groups, and view social change as occurring rapidly and in a disorderly fashion as subordinate groups overthrow dominant groups. Consensus theories see shared norms and values as fundamental to society ,focus on social order based on tacit agreements, and view social change as occurring in a slow and orderly fashion.

The debate between “consensus theories and conflict theories

Merton: Clarifying functional analysis, Dysfunctions, and Manifest and Latent functions.Parsons: Functional Imperatives, Structure of the General Action System and Pattern Variables.

Structural functionalism theory examples