Functionalism

Question 1

Émile Durkheim (1858-1917)

Answer 1

Mechanical and organic solidarity provided a framework for understanding the functional integration of individuals within society. Mechanical solidarity = cohesion and integration of traditional societies based on shared values, norms, and collective consciousness due to similar unspecialised jobs. Organic solidarity = interdependence of individuals in complex, modern societies, where specialised roles and divisions of labor foster social integration.
Concept of the ‘Division of Labour’ emphasised the ways in which specialised roles and occupations contribute to social integration and cooperation. Functionalists such as Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown, applied similar perspectives to the study of kinship systems, economic structures, and political organisation.

Question 2

Bronisław Malinowski (1884-1942)

Answer 2

Magic as a Mechanism for Managing Risk: In fishing expeditions, the Islanders would engage in magical rituals to increase their chances of success = psychological reassurance and a sense of control over unpredictable events, alleviating anxiety and boosting their confidence.
Rituals for Social Cohesion: Among Trobriand Islanders, communal gatherings and rituals maintained social harmony and reinforced group identity = Kula Ring
Matrilineal inheritance could lead to more equitable gender relations within these societies = women having access to and control over property could exert greater influence in economic and social spheres.
Marriage Alliances and Social Networks strength social bonds, resolve conflicts, and forge alliances between families.

Question 3

E.E. Evans-Pritchard (1902-1973)

Answer 3

Segmentary Lineage System: Nuer society organised into a complex system of patrilineal descent groups, or lineages, segmented into smaller sub-groups based on kinship ties serving functional purposes by providing social integration, dispute resolution, and collective defence = lineages could unite or divide in response to external threats or conflicts, allowing for flexible alliances and cooperation among kinship groups.
Practice of cattle raiding among the Nuer, where young men would engage in raids to capture cattle from neighbouring groups provided opportunities for young men to demonstrate bravery and prowess, earn recognition within their community, and strengthen kinship ties through shared exploits.

Question 4

Ian C. Jarvie

Answer 4

Critiques of Functionalism:
1. Static and Deterministic:
Jarvie criticizes functionalism for its static and deterministic view of society. Functionalism tends to portray social structures as stable and harmonious, with each institution serving a specific function to maintain social equilibrium. This perspective overlooks the dynamic and contested nature of social life, as well as the possibility of social change and conflict.
2. Overemphasis on Function:
Functionalism places a strong emphasis on the functions of social institutions and cultural practices, often at the expense of understanding their historical origins, cultural meanings, and unintended consequences. Jarvie argues that functionalist explanations may be overly simplistic, reducing complex social phenomena to functional adaptations without considering their broader social and historical contexts.
3. Neglect of Individual Agency:
Jarvie criticizes functionalism for neglecting the agency of individuals and their capacity to actively shape and transform social structures. Functionalism tends to treat individuals as passive recipients of social norms and roles, overlooking their ability to challenge or subvert established patterns of behavior.
4. Ignorance of Social Change:
Functionalism is often criticized for its limited ability to explain social change and historical transformations. Jarvie argues that functionalist explanations may struggle to account for processes of social innovation, conflict, and adaptation that lead to the emergence of new social structures and cultural practices.
5. Homogenization of Culture:
Functionalism has been accused of homogenizing cultural diversity by emphasizing universal functional principles that apply to all societies. Jarvie argues that this approach overlooks the unique historical, cultural, and ecological contexts in which social systems operate, leading to a simplistic and reductive understanding of human diversity.
6. Lack of Reflexivity:
Finally, Jarvie critiques functionalism for its lack of reflexivity and self-awareness about its own theoretical assumptions and biases. Functionalism often presents itself as a value-neutral and objective approach to studying society, but Jarvie argues that it is important for researchers to critically examine the implicit assumptions and normative values that shape their theoretical frameworks.