Functionalism

In yesterday’s class we continued to learn about the history of sociology and education. In particular we examined the theory of functionalism and how functionalists view society as a machine or living organism. This type of view means that society works together to fulfill the societal needs in order for society to function. You are always working for the needs of society and although individuals have needs they are always in line with all the other individuals and society as a whole. In this way, if society is functioning then the system as a whole must work otherwise the system would fall apart. Let’s see if I can use the analogy of a machine to illustrate functionalism….one machine is made up of multiple parts. Each part has an individual function but all of the parts work together to make the machine run. Along with individual functions, all of the individual parts have their own needs. For example one small part may need grease to work properly but the grease this one part receives is not only for this one specific part but also for the entire machine to function properly. Therefore, every part has a specific function and all of the parts are working together to make the machine run.

Perhaps it is just the scientist in me thinking but this sort of makes sense! Just like a machine needs all of its parts to function, society needs all the individuals to work together so the system does not fall apart. A downside of this theory is inequality. For functionalists, inequality is functional. It serves a purpose for society in that the most talented and hard working individuals get the better jobs and those that are less talented get the jobs that are not as prestigious. Does this not make sense?? Don’t we want those that are most qualified and talented to be our doctors and lawyers? I personally would not want a lazy, untalented doctor. I want a doctor that will use their knowledge to determine the best way to make me well. In terms of education, I don’t think anyone would question that we want talented and hard working teachers to teach our students. We want the teacher that is best suited to instruct the students to be in the front of the class. And talent and hard work have a lot to do with that but I think the class you are born into still has a lot to do with where you end up in life. To become one of the most prestigious individuals in society often requires more education than the initial 12 years of public school and unless your family or you have the money to send you to college or university, your talent and hard work will not take you beyond a high school diploma. So perhaps in a perfect society, functionalism would work and the most talented and hard working individuals would be at the top of the pyramid, however in today’s society this does not work too well. There are other factors involved.

I am looking forward to tomorrow’s class to find out more about functionalism and investigate the problems associated with the theory!