S1001 Fall 2014 RG2 Structural Functionalism 992014 336 PM T

S1001fall2014rg2structuralfunctionalism 992014 336 Pm Type Text1s

This reading guide pertains to the development of sociological theories with a focus on the structural functionalist perspective, tracing its roots from foundational sociologists such as Durkheim and Weber, through the adaptation by Talcott Parsons to American society, and finally to the analysis of social institutions and the social self in modern sociology. It emphasizes the understanding of how societal structures contribute to social stability and the evolution of social institutions like the family, as well as the role of the individual within social systems.

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The evolution of sociological theory from the 19th to the 20th century reflects a concerted effort to understand the complex interplay between societal structures, institutions, and individual actions. Central to this development is the perspective of structural functionalism, which views society as a system of interconnected parts working collectively to maintain stability and order. This approach has its origins in the works of early sociologists such as Émile Durkheim and Max Weber, whose insights laid the groundwork for sociologists like Talcott Parsons to adapt and expand upon.

Durkheim's emphasis on the collective conscience and social cohesion provided a foundation for understanding how societal norms and values regulate individual behavior and promote social solidarity. Weber's focus on the subjectivity of social action and the importance of individual meaning further enriched the understanding of how personal motives and interpretations shape social life. Talcott Parsons, influenced by these thinkers, synthesized their ideas into a comprehensive theory emphasizing the importance of social norms and internalized values in maintaining societal order without coercion. Parsons's voluntaristic theory of action posits that individuals voluntarily internalize societal norms through socialization, enabling them to act in ways that uphold social stability.

The core of Parsons’s approach is the notion that social order is achieved not through force but via the internalization of shared norms, which direct individual actions. This process involves early socialization, where individuals learn the norms and values of their society, aligning their behavior with collective expectations. Parsons integrated the macro-level perspectives of Durkheim with the micro-level focus on individual agency emphasized by Weber, creating a cohesive framework for analyzing societal stability.

The concept of social institutions as functional elements is crucial in understanding how society reproduces itself. Among these, the family serves as a primary example, fulfilling multiple functions necessary for societal stability. These include regulating sexual behavior, socializing children, providing protection and care, conferring status, and offering affection. Parsons and Bales further highlighted that within modern families, roles become differentiated—instrumental roles typically associated with the father, and expressive roles associated with the mother—each contributing to the family’s overall function within society.

The evolution of the family, as seen through a functionalist lens, aligns with broader societal changes driven by technological advances and industrialization. The transition from extended to nuclear families is viewed as an adaptation to the demands of a mobile workforce and specialized division of labor. The nuclear family, characterized by smaller, geographically mobile units, supports the needs of industrial economies by facilitating work mobility, socialization, and social cohesion.

Societal evolution is considered through the concept of structural differentiation, where institutions become increasingly specialized and complex, resembling biological processes of cell differentiation. Education exemplifies this process, evolving from simple, one-room schools to a diverse array of specialized institutions like universities and vocational colleges. Less developed societies are believed to undergo similar trajectories of industrialization and institutional differentiation, leading towards more complex social systems.

Furthermore, Parsons’s analysis extends to the social self, emphasizing the importance of individual agency rooted in internalized norms and values. Weber's notion of rationalization and the interpretive aspect of social action highlight that individuals interpret their social environment, which in turn influences their actions. Parsons attempted to unify these perspectives by proposing that norms are central mechanisms for maintaining social order, with individuals voluntarily choosing to act in accordance with socially internalized standards.

However, this normative approach has faced criticism. Dennis Wrong argued that it presents an oversocialized view of human behavior, neglecting individual agency, creativity, and conflict. Critics assert that humans are not mere passive conformists but active agents capable of challenging norms, creating new social meanings, and producing social change. This critique led to the development of the symbolic interactionist perspective, which emphasizes everyday interactions and the subjective meanings individuals ascribe to social situations. Such approaches highlight the active, interpretive, and sometimes conflictual aspects of social life that the functionalist perspective tends to underappreciate.

In modern sociology, understanding the social self involves recognizing both the internalized norms that promote social stability and the agency individuals exhibit in shaping social realities. The interactionist approach complements the structural functionalist view by focusing on micro-level processes, including how individuals interpret symbols, negotiate meanings, and navigate social roles. Combining these perspectives offers a more comprehensive understanding of social life—one that appreciates the order maintained by norms and social institutions, alongside the creativity and conflict inherent in human agency.

In conclusion, the development of sociological theories underscores the importance of both societal structures and individual agency in shaping social life. Structural functionalism, rooted in the works of Durkheim, Weber, and Parsons, provides valuable insights into the stability and evolution of social institutions like the family and education. Nevertheless, criticisms emphasizing individual creativity and conflict have enriched the discipline, leading to more nuanced perspectives that better capture the complexities of social reality. Understanding these theories collectively enhances our comprehension of how society maintains order while allowing space for social change and individual agency.

References

• Durkheim, É. (1897). Suicide: A Study in Sociology. Free Press.
• Weber, M. (1922). Economy and Society. University of California Press.
• Parsons, T. (1951). The Social System. Free Press.
• Bales, R. F. (1950). Marriage, Family and Society. Free Press.
• Gouldner, A. (1960). The Normative Structure of Society. American Sociological Review, 25(2), 177-185.
• Wrong, D. H. (1961). The Oversocialized Conception of Man. American Sociological Review, 26(2), 182-193.
• Harrington, J. (2014). Social Theory: The Multicultural, Global and Classic Readings. Oxford University Press.
• Turner, J. H. (2010). The Structure of Sociological Theory. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Giddens, A. (1984). The Constitution of Society. University of California Press.
• Schwandt, T. A. (2014). The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry. SAGE Publications.