Difference Between Functional And Structural Functionalism

Theories in sociology provide us with different perspectives with which to view our social world. A perspective is simply a way of looking at the world. A theory is a set of interrelated propositions or principles designed to answer a question or explain a particular phenomenon; it provides us with a perspective. Structural Functionalism is defined as “how each part of society functions together to contribute to the whole” (Nathan Keirns). A society is a system that is interconnected with one another. Each social institutions contribute an important part to the society; each part influences and is influenced by another part. In Structural Functionalism there are two parts: functional and dysfunctional, as a social process called Manifest function and Latent function. Manifest function can be

The same goes with functional and dysfunctional to describe the effects of social elements in society. Functional is social stability, while dysfunctional is a disruption of that social stability. Functionalism is considered to “see society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of individuals who make up that society” (Nathan Keirns). For example, the parts of the society are interdependent: “Family provides a context for reproducing, nurturing, and socializing children” (Mooney). Since every social institutions provide a meaningful part to one another, such as families. Being a part of an estrange family and not receiving that love can turn a person towards something else, such as drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. As a result of not having love from home, a young girl will find it elsewhere with someone who will, usually confusing sex for love. According to R.Y. Langham, “teen girls are more likely to get pregnant if they have limited or no guidance from their parents” (Langham). Previously mentioned,