The Development of Functionalism in Sociology and Anthropology

Functionalism

In this course, Professor John Holmwood (University of Nottingham) explores functionalism as an approach within sociology. In the first lecture, we think about the emergence of functionalist ideas in the work of Émile Durkheim and their influence in anthropology. In the second lecture, we consider Talcott Parsons’ efforts to create a more systematic functionalist method within sociology, and how Parsons sought to overcome the issue of agency within functionalism. In the third lecture we look at some of the criticisms of functionalism. Next, we look at how Robert Merton attempted to create a new approach which could address these criticisms. In the fifth and final lecture, we explore the ways in which functionalism can help us to understand society and politics through the example of feminism and the family.

The Development of Functionalism in Sociology and Anthropology

In this lecture, we think about the early development of functionalism as an approach within sociology and anthropology, focusing in particular on: (i) Émile Durkheim’s early functionalist method, particularly his understanding of society as sui generis, and his explanation of the reproduction of practices and institutions in terms of the functions they serve; (ii) some of the key criticisms of Durkheim’s approach, such as its neglect of individual agency and its alleged conservatism; (iii) Durkheim’s comparative functionalist method, which argued that there are universal functions which all societies across the world need to perform and which create similar practices and institutions that can be analysed comparatively; (iv) the influence of Durkheim’s approach in anthropology.