Answer to Question #251373 in Sociology for KFB

Question

Assess the functionalism and conflict theory critiques and assess these critiques and comment briefly on the applicability of these critiques to the South-African context.

Answer 1

Functionalism has been chastised for failing to account for societal change and individual action; some regard it as conservatively prejudiced. Functionalism has been chastised for imbuing society with human-like desires. Emile Durkheim's work is regarded as the bedrock of functionalist theory in sociology.

The functionalist theory outlines how social structures satisfy the requirements of society and individuals. It places a premium on social structures and how they satisfy societal requirements, such as schools. The functionalist theory is criticized for failing to explain social change since it focuses on the stability and social order of society.