structural functional theory in sociology

Structural functional theory in sociology free#

Accordingly, only a privileged position of society can enjoy cultural heritage, and all others have limited access. That is, all segments of the population strive only for material enrichment but receive it only a tiny part.

Instead, in critical sociology, the economic dimension occupies a central place. People’s understanding of basic ethical and social principles motivates civilization to develop and enrich themselves spiritually. Also, in terms of value systems, culture plays a significant role.

Structural functional theory in sociology free#

Accordingly, because all members of the community have free access to cultural heritage, they can make useful choices. For structural functionalism, culture is one of the basic requirements of society. This view contrasts with the perspective of functionalism theory. People who belong to the lower class have less ability to adapt to cultural change. The critical theory states that the possibilities and potential of material production affect other components of society, including culture. That is well-developed access to technology and education in wealthy nations versus the lack of technology and knowledge in underdeveloped countries. The theory is based on the influence of economic production and materialism. Same-sex marriage is banned in most states, and polygamy, common in some cultures, is unthinkable for most Americans (Damien and Saad-Filho 611). Although cultural diversity is supposedly valued in the United States, many people are still troubled with interracial marriages. Racialism and prejudice are very extremely alive today. In some states, gay and lesbian couples have been denied marriage. Some rules, formal and informal, are practiced at the expense of others. Therefore, the cultural norms of society benefit some people but harm others.

There are inequalities in the system of cultural values (Robbins 210). Older people are fighting to protect their rights, health care, and independence from legislators’ younger generation. Similarly, women strive for equal rights with men and eradicate discrimination. Culture is marked as strengthening ‘privilege’ for special groups based on nationality, gender, and race for critical sociology. The culture of education – including material culture, such as classrooms, textbooks, libraries, dormitories – supports the value of educating society members.Ĭritical sociology views the civil structure as inherently uneven, based on differences in power related to issues such as class, gender, race, and age. Education is an essential concept in the United States because it is valued (Robbins 134). Functionalists also study culture in terms of values. Really as members of the community work together to meet the needs of society, culture exists to satisfy the fundamental requirements of its members.