Sociological Viewpoint Focusing on Functional Aspects of Society
In the realm of sociological thought, one theory that has left an indelible mark is Functionalism, particularly as proposed by Talcott Parsons. Parsons, a prominent American sociologist, believed that society functions much like a human body, with its various institutions interacting in a similar manner to human organs, a concept known as the organic analogy. He saw society as a system with four essential needs: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency, each playing a crucial role in its continued survival.
Parsons' functionalist perspective was heavily influenced by the works of several sociologists, including Durkheim, Marshall, and Weber. He melded their theories and key issues to create a grand theory that aimed to explain the workings of society in a comprehensive manner.
One of Parsons' significant contributions was the introduction of the concept of a system to address the problem of integration. He proposed that since people perform actions according to defined principles, they have a 'personality system.' This system, he argued, is shaped by the internalization of a society's rules and values.
However, criticism of functionalism is not without merit. It has been argued that the theory overlooks the existence of dysfunctional institutions, ignores class conflict and coercion, and is ideological in nature. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the theory exaggerates value consensus and social order, and that it is a deterministic theory that does not acknowledge societal problems as arising from society's natural evolution.
Parsons also believed in the importance of social institutions such as family, education, and work. He saw the family as responsible for passing on basic norms and values, providing early socialization, and offering a refuge from the pressures of modern life. Education, he argued, integrates individuals into wider society, promoting a sense of belonging and identity by teaching students a shared history and language.
Parsons' view of work was influenced by the Protestant ethic, which emphasizes the value of hard work and the belief in meritocracy. He argued that work ethic ensures that people value working over leisure, believing that hard work should be rewarded, thus incentivizing people to work harder.
Despite his belief in the progressive nature of human societies, Parsons also acknowledged that the collapse of major social institutions could lead to regression into a more primitive form of social organization.
In the anthropological field, it was Bronisław Malinowski who was one of the founders of the functionalism perspective, not sociology as is often mistakenly believed. Nevertheless, Parsons' work continues to shape our understanding of society and its institutions, offering valuable insights into the complex web of social relations that bind us together.
Read also:
- Hospital's Enhancement of Outpatient Services Alleviates Emergency Department Strain
- Increased Chikungunya infections in UK travelers prompt mosquito bite caution
- Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister holds discussions on the prevailing circumstances in Almaty
- In the state, Kaiser Permanente boasts the top-ranked health insurance program
