Functionalist Theorists and Their Theories
This page explores several key functionalist theorists and their contributions to the field of sociology.
Hirschi's Bonds of Attachment
Travis Hirschi developed the social bond theory, which posits that socialization agents act as bonds that tie individuals to society.
Definition: Hirschi's bonds of attachment theory suggests that when these social bonds fail, individuals become "unbound" and may engage in criminal behavior.
A significant study supporting this theory was the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development.
Example: The study found that offenders often come from poor backgrounds, single-parent families, have experienced poor parenting, and may have parents who were also offenders.
Durkheim's Division of Labor in Society
Emile Durkheim, a foundational figure in functionalist theory, outlined a distinction between mechanical and organic solidarity in his work "The Division of Labor in Society."
Definition: Mechanical solidarity is found in smaller, less complex societies and eliminates individuality, subsuming the individual into the collective interest.
Definition: Organic solidarity is found in larger, industrial societies and is produced by divisions in labor and economic interdependence.
Parsons' System Theory
Talcott Parsons developed a comprehensive theory of social systems.
Definition: Parsons defined a social system as a network of interactions between actors.
He believed that society had certain functional prerequisites that needed to be met for the system to survive.
Merton's Strain Theory
Robert Merton's strain theory is another important functionalist perspective in sociology.
Definition: Strain theory predicts deviance when there is a cultural misalignment between societal goals and the means to achieve them.
Example: Merton's theory suggests that individuals may commit crimes to survive when societal structures pressure them and legitimate means are unavailable.
These theories collectively demonstrate the functionalist approach to understanding society, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social structures and individual behavior.
