Functionalism


	Functionalism
	Strengths Durkheim believed that society is made up of various institutions, each of which has a useful function. Looks at how society is structured. Looks at how institutions in society work and how they affect individuals. Believe that the institutions of society are structured to allow society to run as smoothly as possible.	Weaknesses Interactionists think that functionalists don't focus enough of the individual. Marxists say functionalism ignores the unequal power of some groups.
	Opportunities Structural theory. The family has the function of socialising children. Education has the function of preparing young people for adult society Religion has the function of uniting society through shared beliefs	Threats Society is structured to serve the interests of the rich, not to keep society ticking along as smoothly as possible.

Durkheim believed that society is made up of various institutions, each of which has a useful function.
Looks at how society is structured.
Looks at how institutions in society work and how they affect individuals.
Believe that the institutions of society are structured to allow society to run as smoothly as possible.

Society is structured to serve the interests of the rich, not to keep society ticking along as smoothly as possible.

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