Furthermore, there is also distinction between consequences. Structural functionalist “Robert Merton”, refer to positive consequences of social structure as functions whereas, refer to the negative consequences of social structure as dysfunctions. Evolution adaptation of change in accordance to the evolving needs of society social structure and eliminating the outdated one. Harmony part of organism work similarly as part of society in harmony, for the betterment of society.ģ. Stability The major criteria for evaluating social pattern, is its contribution in the stability or maintenance of society.Ģ. Sociologist prime concern is to determine how societies work? Sociologist who view society from Functional perspective, conduct their research on the basis of, three basic assumptions which are given below ġ. According to “Parsons” in a healthy society, all the parts of society work together and have influence on one another, to produce a stable state termed as, dynamic equilibrium. Family and government are two different functioning social institutions of society, however, have influence on each other, both can’t operate without each other. However, Government is dependent on people taxes too (who want all those services for their families) to satisfy their basic needs. Parents want their children to get better education, job, healthcare and security of life and property, for which they are completely dependent on the Government. Government invest those taxes on the welfare of society such as, provide health facilities, educational facilities and provide security to the life and property of people. Structural and functional perspective can be better understand by the reader, from a practical example people earn money from working different jobs, they pay taxes on their income to the Government. He believed that, society is similar to living organism because it also comprises of different parts (social institutions) and each institution has its own diversify functions and roles in society, however, they are interdependent, which contributes to the stability and functioning of society as whole.

Each organ has its own diversify function but contribute to the same cause, stability of living organism.

Herbert Spencer viewed society as a living organism structure of organism is based on multiple organs and body parts. Functional perspective is inspired from the theories of “Herbert Spencer” and “Emile Durkheim”. According to Maccionis “society is a complex system, whose parts work together for the solidarity and stability of society”. Structural and functional perspective also known as functionalism and functional perspective that focuses on the study of structure (organization) and functions (maintenance) of society.

Define structural functional theory