Sociological theories offer different philosophies with which to perceive the social world. A theory explains a particular phenomenon, providing the insight to understand and predict the occurrences within the social sphere. The ubiquity and inevitability of societal change make it a permanent phenomenon. While addressing an understanding of social change and focusing on its causes, the article, “Understanding Functionalist Theory,” illustrates the functionalist perspective in action (Crossman, 2020). Functionalism is a specialized methodology and culture theory that emanated from Spenser, Durkheim, Parsons, and Merton’s works. According to functionalist theory, society is a chain of interconnected components that work together and influence each other to create and maintain an equilibrium. In this regard, sociological elements are dysfunctional unless they render social stability. Therefore, “Understanding Functionalist Theory” is chosen as an article that conveys a useful viewpoint to think about societal change in the community.
Functionalism focuses on how society maintains internal equilibrium to withstand tension and uncertainty. While looking at the effects of population composition on social change, the article argues that society’s evolution from older structures to contemporary ones affected population growth (Crossman, 2020). Yet modern societies’ populace constitution upsets other aspects of the societal structure. For instance, a rise in the school-age population requires more schools, necessitating increased budgetary allocation to schools to cater for the rising expenses. Consequently, the construction industry, supply centers, and other related businesses benefit. The article’s main focus is on the community as a social area and how it is influenced by the population make-up and structure (Crossman, 2020). Whenever an imbalance emerges, a new form of stability is created; hence, social change denotes a shift from one form of social balance to the next.
Reference
Crossman, A. C. (2020). Everything you need to know about functionalist theory. ThoughtCo. Web.