Structural-Functionalism Flashcards

Study Notes

Structural Functionalism Overview

Structural Functionalists adopt a structure-centered, synchronic perspective to analyze society.
Emphasis on social order where various cultural structures (education, legal, religious, economic) allow societies to function effectively.
Common values and norms are essential for social cohesion, with the family viewed as a pivotal unit.

Definition of Structural-Functionalism

Structural-functionalism is a consensus theory emphasizing mutual agreements within society.
Shared values and norms are crucial for societal stability and continuity.
Social change is perceived as a gradual and orderly process rather than abrupt transformations.

Key Anthropologist: Radcliffe-Brown

Radcliffe-Brown defined society as a system of relationships, contrasting with Malinowski's focus on individuals.
He argued that individuals are less relevant to understanding social structures.
Proposed that stateless "primitive" societies are formed from corporate-descent groups with no centralized institutions.

Key Anthropologist: Evans-Pritchard

In his 1937 work, argued that the Nuer people of Africa organized primarily through unilineal descent groups.
These groups serve specific functions like property administration and defense, establishing a lasting social structure.
His analysis of kinship among Nuer fits into the broader framework known as "descent theory," shared with Fortes.

Criticisms of Structural-Functionalism

Critiques include the downplaying of individual roles within society.
The theory tends to overlook systemic inequalities based on race, gender, and other factors, ignoring related conflicts.
It views societal change as a return to equilibrium, failing to account for genuine transformations.
The notion that society has needs comparable to those of individuals is considered flawed.

Synchronic View

A synchronic analysis focuses on a specific timeframe, examining a language or social structure as it exists at that moment.
Synchronic linguistics disregards historical development, concentrating solely on the language's current system.

Diachronic View

A diachronic study involves the examination of evolution and changes over time, paralleling historical analysis.
Often referred to as historical linguistics, it contrasts with synchronic analysis by considering how elements develop over time.

Description

Explore the key concepts of Structural Functionalism with these flashcards. Dive into the importance of social order and the role of cultural structures such as education, religion, and family in maintaining societal stability. Perfect for students studying sociology!