Strengths and weaknesses of the functionalist

Assess the strength and weaknesses with the functionalist way of society. (33 marks) Functionalism sees society as a whole alternatively that in some parts as it contains a macro-scale way of society. This means that they observe society because an organic analogy which means that they see every institutions working together as internal organs do within a body. The organic example also implies that it is accustomed to sustain the body and culture as a whole. As functionalism can be macro-scale, it could miss essential groups and factors that are small such as tribes and gypsies.

The un-acknowledgment of such groups can leave sociologists lacking important information about the functions of society which can be seen as a weak spot.

Middle

This individual also left a comment on the system needs both have such as nutrition and socialisation. His analogy allows sociologists realize how to maintain culture in a healthful way, which can be seen as a durability of the functionalists approach. Parsons also determined four needs of contemporary society.

He claimed society needs variation to meet the material needs of society. He also stated that society needs target attainment which is met through politics who work towards bettering society. Incorporation is also referred to as a need since it shows the way the different establishments work together to try and remove turmoil. Latency is definitely the last of the identified needs as it displays how persons deal with problems by turning to institutions such as religion.

Conclusion

Other criticisms of functionalism is that it explains effects before the cause by professing children should be socialised therefore the family is present, which means that functionalisms may not be utilized to explain culture properly. Marxists also claim functionalist do not explain turmoil and change within society since it is shown while harmonious. Feminists and Marxists say exploitation and inequality exist in numerous forms and this functionalism failed to acknowledge this its sights are out-of-date, which reveals flaws within their approach which is therefore a weakness. In conclusion, the functionalist approach has its own strengths and weaknesses regarding societyâs features. Strengths consist of its simple explanation of needs and functions of society, whilst is weak points are that it doesnât admit exploitationand inequality within contemporary society. So , overall, I see this as a well balanced argument.

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