Structural Functionalism Theory

Exam Short Answer Question # 1 Structural Functionalism is a theory that argues society is a sum of various parts or institutions, which are all unique yet play an important role in maintaining the stability of society. Theorist view each part of society as significant, and that all the parts are interdependent. Furthermore, if there is a disruption in a single institution, the result would cause society to be impacted and thrown off balance. Each part of society, for example the economy may have more than one role, with some intended and unintended effects. With this belief in how society works, functionalists hold a concrete belief regarding the nature of change. They believe that change in society should come slowly and cautiously, a departure …show more content…
He defined Capitalism as more than the raw materials, products, and wealth but the exchange and social relations. In capitalism, the interests of the product owners and laborers are at war with each other. Laborers simply strive to survive and provide for themselves and their families. Owners seek to expand their wealth at the cheapest costs and beat their competition. As a result, the system is inherently unequal in the treatment of social classes and the earnings. The capitalists frequently come out on top on the backs of the laborers. Trade within capitalism is never truly equal with workers receiving less than what they are owed for their work, so owners can maximize their profit. Supply and Demand is a significant piece of capitalism as it determines prices, the amounts of production and even the number of laborers. Laborers are at times dispensable and then other times greatly needed. In addition, he argues that there is a false sense freedom in capitalism. Workers believe they get to decide whether to work and control their own labor. However, this is false as all workers are forced to work in this system their only choice is who they will work for. Capitalism stifles worker’s true self and personal expression as their life becomes completely revolved around this system and earning a wage to survive, …show more content…
This term is applied to the exploited social class who has no idea that they are being exploited. They fail to see the unfairness of the capitalistic system, and their unequal treatment. They believe they have the same interests as the owners and are a part of a fair transaction of labor and wages. Because of this held false consciousness, they do not see their true strength and power in society and will not rise to overthrow the system that is perpetuated. This unrealized strength continues the pattern of growth among capitalists and the widening of the wealth gap between