STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM

Structural functionalism or simply functionalism, is a

sociological theory that revolves around the notion that a society
is composed of a system of interconnected parts that have their
own particular functions.

Social structures formed among groups or institutions are

referred to as macrostructures, which include religion, education,
tradition, and culture. On the other hand, social structures
established among individuals or within groups that result in
individual interactions are called microstructures.
 STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM
The effects of the social structures or their purpose are called
social functions.

Every social structure has a corresponding social function. This

relationship between social structures and social functions are the
parts of the system which structural functionalism identifies.
 KEY CONCEPTS IN STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM
A manifest function is the predicted, intended, expected, and
knowable effect of a social structure. An example of which is
when people go to church, in order to pray and to hear mass.

A latent function is the unintended outcome of social structure.

So, if the manifest function of going to church is to pray and hear
mass, its latent function is to gather people together in one place
to reinforce the sense of community.
 MANIFEST and LATENT Dysfunctions

A manifest dysfunction is the predicted, expected, and

knowable disruptions of a social structure.
For example, a large gathering of people such as concerts and
other events disrupts traffic flow within the vicinity of the event,
even though it was not intended to do so.
 MANIFEST and LATENT Dysfunctions

A latent dysfunction is the unpredicted and unexpected

disruptions of social structures.

For example, there are costumers who usually take pictures of

food in social media. But since these customers are not the only
ones doing it, the average time spent by customers in their tables
will increase.
The latent dysfunction in this example is that the next
costumers will have an increased waiting period.
 MANIFEST and LATENT Dysfunctions
Manifest and latent dysfunctions bring about negative effects or
outcomes.
For the sociologist, studying manifest and latent functions is a way
to promote the benefits of such functions and further develop social
structures. But because manifest and latent dysfunctions are contrary
to the idea of systems in society, sociologists focus more on the
dysfunctions to promote social stability and solidarity. Understanding
manifest and latent dysfunctions help sociologists assess risks and
prepare accordingly. Such assessments and preparations can be in
different fields and can be useful in various fields and professions.
 ESSENTIAL LEARNING

The main idea in structural functionalism is that the society is

made up of different components such as institutions, services,
and people that work together and allow the society to function.
As body parts have specific functions, functionalism implies
that all structure in society have their own purpose and specific
functions.
Structural functionalism
Structural functionalism, or simply functionalism, is “a
framework for building theory that sees society as a complex
system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and
stability”

Structural-functional approach
The structural-functional approach is a perspective in sociology that
sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to
promote solidarity and stability. Education, for example, has several
important functions in a society, such as socialization, learning, and
social placement.
 GLOSSARY
Dysfunctions – abnormality or impairment in the function of a
specified bodily organ or system.
Functionalism – a viewpoint of the theory of the mind, and wherein
mental states are constituted solely by their functional role, such as their
causal relations with other mental states, sensory inputs and behavioral
outputs.
Precursor – a person or thing that comes before another of the same
kind
Recruitment – the action of finding new people to join an organization
or support a cause.
Subsist – maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level.
 IMPORTANT THEORIST OF
STRUCTIORAL FUNCTIONALISM
• Introduce to the class the following theorist.
• Use the Board and chalk in presenting the theorist.
• Answer the question: how does this theorist help in the development
of the theory STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM.
Group 1 - Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer
Group 2 - Talcott Parsons
Group 3 - Davis and Moore
Group 4 - Robert Merton
Group 5 - Almond and Powell
 ACTIVITY
Directions:
• Draw an example showing the main concept of
Structural Functionalism.
• Draw it in a short bond paper.
• Be creative in creating your output.
• Neatness will be observed in grading your
output.
 Assessment
Directions:Read each item carefully and write T f the statement is
true, and write F if the statement is false. Write your answers in your
activity notebook.
1. Microstructures are the social structures formed among groups or
institutions.
2. Social functions are the effects of social structures or their purpose.
3. Macrostructures are social structures that were established by the
individual or within a group that resulted in individual interactions.
4. Structural functionalism is the essential sociological theory that
revolves around the notion that a society is composed of a system of
interconnected parts that have their own particular function.
 Assessment
5. Manifest function is the predicted, intended, and expected effect of a
social structure.
6. Structural functionalism is the same as the human body parts that
have specific functions, functionalism implies that all structures in
society have their own purpose and specific functions.
7. Addressing elders with respect, as an example of a macrostructure,
patterns and shapes the younger generation to promote social values.
8. When one of the parts of the society does not perform properly, the
entire society could not function well.
9. Political socialization is a means by which proper civic conduct, duties
and good citizenship are promoted and societal values and beliefs are
passed on to the younger generation.
 Assessment
10. Recruitment is the way by which political systems attract the interest
of the public through participation in debates and other engagements.
11. The unpredicted and unexpected disruptions of social structures is
called latent dysfunction.
12. Various parts of the society are interrelated.
13. Davis and Moore aimed to develop a theory, which they called
middle range theory, that would be more focused and manageable.
14. Theorists respond to the social phenomena that pervade society.
15. Communication is the means by which society learns about the
issues and affairs of the state.