Functional structure is closely related to various theories of social change in society. This happens because developmental circumstances in life change from time to time which are able to provide stimulation and encouragement for actions that individuals want to carry out for their group.
That’s why this article will review examples of the application of structural functionalism theory in society in everyday life.
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Functional Theory
Functional theory is a study guide that fully describes people’s behavior with accommodation from the various activities they carry out. This theory identifies that every activity carried out by an individual will actually continue to be arranged systematically as a result of the actions taken by a person.
It is on this basis that experts in functional theory such as Talcott Parsons, Robert K. Merton and Neil Smelser provide specific comments that human behavior already has provisions that are influenced by the mechanisms of habits that occur.
Examples of Functional Theory
As for some examples that can be said as part of the examples of cases of this functional theory, among others, as follows;
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Social transformation
Social change is an absolute condition that is always experienced by society. Every individual in a community group will not be separated from this condition, as society itself moves in a dynamic, not static, way.
An example of a case that provides social change in this functional theory, for example, is the existence of agricultural activities which in ancient times agriculture was carried out by plowing which was cost-effective but time-consuming, whereas currently the agricultural system is carried out in a modern way which is identified as time-saving but time-consuming. lots of costs.
The deficiencies and advantages that occur in the functional theory above, actually always exist in the life that humans carry out. This condition is absolutely everyone’s responsibility for the level of success or failure in the changes they make.
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Social Structure
Another example that can be studied in the case of functional theory is, for example, in social structures in the form of government institutions in Indonesia. In the period before independence, Indonesia adhered to a parliamentary system of government with the characteristic of absolute royal power.
With the existence of this social system, the process of consuming costs in regional elections can be reduced easily, however, in order to obtain quality leaders in the period after independence, Indonesia adopted a presidential system of government with the main role given being full power to the people, even though it had to take a lot of money. cost or budget.
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Conflict
Another example in the study of functional theory is related to conflict, this occurs because attitudes towards the actions a person takes always have an impact, either positive or negative. The definition of conflict is a situation that is undesirable for everyone because it causes material and non-material harm.
However, in studies carried out by functional theory, conflict has had a positive impact, one of the cases being demonstrations carried out by workers on World Labor Day which occurred on May 1.
Workers demand that their salaries or efforts be increased. On the basis of good accommodation and with clear objectives, all forms of aspirations can be expressed with the participation of workers, the media and all well-structured elements.
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Public
Another example that can be put forward in this functional theory is in community life, where there are policies that prioritize development principles. In this case, for example, the construction of toll roads in various regions.
The toll road being built is actually part of functional theory in an effort to increase economic income, facilitate investment and accelerate the growth of social and cultural paradigms that develop in society.
The state of the functional theoretical structure of toll roads, economic development, increasing income, and increasing public knowledge is actually well structured through a system that has been regulated by natural phenomena.
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Criticism on Social Media and Mass Demonstrations on the Streets
The embodiment of the theory of structural functionalism that occurs in other societies is the existence of criticism and suggestions made by the community for the government.
Before the development of technology and information, such as social media, was found, criticism was usually carried out by carrying out various demonstrations, many examples of demonstrations that could change the government system, for example the 1998 demonstration that removed Suharto as president.
However, after social media was found , people who criticized it could also have a significant impact, for example, the criticism made by Bima on the construction of road infrastructure had a major influence on development.
Conclusion
From a series of explanations regarding examples of functional theory in society and everyday life, it can be said that society as a social system always has a structure composed of various institutional elements, where each social institution within it has its own function and role. This is as expressed by sociological theory and its figure, namely Emile Durkehim.
We hope that this article about examples of functional structure theory in social change can provide insight and improve knowledge for all readers who study various studies in sociology.