Structural Functionalist Theory: The Normal Heart

Structural functionalist

The Normal Heart can be analyzed through a structural functionalist theory. Structural functionalist theory looks at society as a complex system with parts that work together to promote solidarity and stability. This approach stresses social solidarity, divided into organic and mechanical classification according to general type, and stability in social structures. In the early stages of the film society works as a whole, with the homosexual community being more accepted than they would have been in previous decades. The 1980s welcomed gay activism in the New York social scene with New York City as a safe place where gays were free to walk down the street hand in hand without fear of much discrimination (Elizabeth

77 and 79). A functionalist perspective of gender states that gender roles arise from the need to establish a certain division of labour that will aid in maintaining the stability of society resulting in boys and girls being raised and socialized to fit specific roles in the family and work force. In this raising process boys are taught instrumentally while girls are taught to be expressive. It is in this upbringing that homosexuals are socialized differently and fit a more feminine role in the work force by taking on more “feminine” career paths such as fashion and journalism. An example of this is seen in the movie when Felix explains his role as a journalist for the New York Times is to write columns about gay fashion, gay acting, gay everything but he just does not refer to it as gay in his articles. He explains he has no real power over what he is allowed to write about. He takes on a more typical female role as a columnist for the New York