Structural-functional theory in social studies has been heavily influenced by the views of several sociologists, including experts who have advanced this structural-functional theory, including Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert K. Merton.
That’s why this article will provide an explanation of the structural-functional theory according to experts and examples .
Functional Structural Theory
Functional structural theory often referred to as the functionalist perspective is a theory that suggests social balance that occurs in people’s lives.
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This balance is obtained because society is considered as a composition of organisms that are mutually related to one another.
Organisms that are formed in society cause the stability of the social order which is obtained from various forms of social institutions, both economic institutions, political institutions, legal institutions, or educational institutions.
For more , read; “Social Institutions” Definition, Characteristics, Types, and Functions
Structural Functional Theory According to Experts
Explanation of functional structural theory is inseparable from the basic concept of sociology as a science, while experts who explain sociological theory and its figures include the following;
Emile Durkheim
Emile Durkheim, was a sociologist who was born in 1858 and died in 1817. He was one of the most important figures in the history of sociology.
In fact, he himself was recognized for his services in making sociology a science, when he applied empirical methodology to his studies.
Functional structural theory according to Emile Durkheim is the arrangement of society as part of the social order which indicates that it has a harmonious life.
Functionalism focuses on the social structure at the macro level in society, he also emphasizes that society is the objective reality of the individuals who are its members. For more , read; Definition of Social Structure, Form, Function, and Process
Talcott Parsons
Talcott Parsons, is a sociologist who provides an explanation of structural-functional theory as a part of balance in social institutions, which he admits will exist or be known by the public if he succeeds in carrying out his duties and functions properly, without making the slightest difference. For more , read; Definition of Society, Elements, Terms, and Forms
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Robert K. Merton
Robert K. Merton, is a sociologist who explains a lot about social groups, even he himself explains anomie as a behavior in a social deviation that can disrupt community relations.
Basically, Robert provides the view that structural-functional is social life in a social balance that will work if social order is functioned properly.
From the explanation of the structural-functional theory according to the experts above, it can be said that this theory suggests that society is part of an organism that will choose to live in peace, tranquility and serenity. Every society has a desire to create a good life, namely through grouping.
This view in structural-functional theory also brings humans that life cannot be separated from social facts and social reality which will become a social balance if society wants to join as one, without any divisions that will encourage social conflict in society.
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Example of Structural Functional Theory
Examples of studies put forward in structural-functional theory include the following;
Paying Taxes
The part of life that can be explained regarding this structural-functional theory, for example, is paying taxes by the community, in fact the taxes that are incurred are for the common good, both infrastructure and economic development. People who are diligent in paying taxes have indirectly thought of togetherness in their lives.
Education
Education carried out by the government in various types of educational institutions is part of the structural-functional theory, this example can be put forward because people who want to live in peace with forms of social change must have higher education, with the government providing facilities, the community fills in and encourages the succession of life by entering certain educational institutions.
job vacancy
Another example, regarding the description in structural-functional theory is that job vacancies are encouraged by the government as a way to overcome unemployment and the solution in Indonesia is indirectly done by continuing to provide services to investors who build their companies in Indonesia.
From the explanation regarding the understanding of structural-functional theory according to experts and the examples there are a number of criticisms that have occurred, this criticism is related to justifying the status quo, meaning that the theories put forward are always on the side of the authorities, and support all forms of justification made by the authorities.
Even so, indirectly, the structure of this theory makes it clear that the people’s desire is essentially to live in unity without any social inequalities that limit it.
Thus the explanation and insight into the functional structural theory according to experts and examples. Hopefully this paper can provide knowledge and provide understanding for all readers who want to explore “sociological theory”, especially structural-functional theory. Thanks,