Critiques of Functionalism

There are many criticisms of functionalism and their theories:

Ø Functionalist ideas almost portray humans as being autonomous and

that only socialisation determines our lives. They do not really see

humans as the unpredictable creatures they are, not possible to stray

away from the predictable ideas that functionalists have of people.

Too much stress is placed on harmony and the potential for conflict

and its affects are generally ignored.

Ø There is no recognition of difference by class, region or ethnic

group. The functionalist picture is simply reflective of happy

middle-class American families.

Ø In particular with Durkheim’s work, it is too optimistic and

maintains the idea of social solidarity as the main theme, and simply

believes pathologies can be solved through simple social reform,

ignoring any problems or conflict and the affects.

Ø Marxists argue that the modern family is organised to support and

benefit the ruling class and the capitalist economy, rather than

benefiting all of society. In particular, they accuse functionalists

for ignoring the fact that power is not equally distributed in

society. Some groups have more wealth and power than others and may be

able to impose their norms and values as less powerful groups.

Ø Feminists also criticise functionalists for ignoring male dominance

that often is present in society. Furthermore, the sexual division of

labour it describes is not universal, with the relative roles of women

and men in modern families can be seen to be gradually changing.

Ø Many functionalists concentrate primarily on the universal nuclear

family in modern societies, with the growing diversity of family types

is not considered.

Ø Functionalists have a problem explaining social change.