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Real life examples of this theory in action

  • January 11, 2017 five members from the Topeka based Westboro Baptist Church held a 45 minute demonstration on the sidewalks by Derby High School
  • WBC chose to picket DHS because the student body did not comply with the social norm.

Any Questions about this theory?

What does the theory teach about human behavior

Why did Westboro Baptist Church protest at Derby High School?

This theory can teach us more about the why behind types of human behavior. For example, it helps to explain why poverty and other negative aspects of society continue to exist despite recognition that these things are negative.

  • When we ask why things exist in society, "our attention is drawn to facts about human behavior that might otherwise be overlooked" (30).

  • Latent/underlying functions can help to explain why these negative things continue to persist.

  • To tie in the previous example, poverty might continue to exist due to its latent functions, such as "keeping wages low and providing foot soldiers" (29).
  • On December 3, 2016 Derby High School students crowned a transgender student King of HollyBall. (winter formal)
  • DHS students went against the social norm when they elected Tyler Krayer, HollyBall King.
  • About 150 students, community members and students from other area high schools counter protested WBC.

Tyler Krayer left poses

with Regina Waugh

Major criticisms

of this theory

Structural Functionalism

This leads us to say that, in fact, one of the major criticisms of this theory is,"it's conservative bias and rigid acceptance of the status quo as natural and good and of conflict as alien, even pathological" (30).

Futhermore it is under the assumption that we live in a perfect society and that no one in the society misbehaves or has any kinds of dilemma's.

It also cannot be modernized and there is no room for evolution of the society.

This would disrupt the function.

How has this theory contributed to social work?

According to our text, as well as our groups opinion, social workers may not use this theory when working directly with clients.

This being because we have learned Cultural Competency and value changing social norms that have oppressed people.

Important to remember the core values of social work. These are:

•service

•social justice

•dignity and worth of the person

•importance of human relationships

•integrity

•competence.

Crime

As explained in a previous slide, even organized crime and corruption is seen as "meeting the needs of the people" (29).

Does it incorporate issues of diversity and oppression?

Poverty

Society is made up of many different parts. Structural functionalism sees each aspect of society as contributing to the greater whole.

Possibly "tolerated by society because of its many latent [underlying] functions, such as keeping wages low and providing foot soldiers for war" (29).

What is structural functionalism?

Basic Assumptions/concepts

Manifest and Latent functions

Gender norms/other societal norms

Every aspect of society has a function. Manifest and latent are the two types of functions each aspect of society has:

  • Manifest- obvious functions with clear reasons for existing
  • Latent- more covert, usually unintended and not recognized (29).

Contribute to order within society, according to this perspective

This theory believes that social norms are important and to stray outside the "normal" was to disrupt a system of order. Those persons and ideas considered not mainstream are seen as negatives Those struggling with poverty, mental illness, drug addiction and/or criminal activity are viewed as having brought it on themselves.

Society as a system

  • The textbook defines this perspective as, "that of a system or structure with interdependent parts that work together to produce stability. Each of these parts is assumed to have positive consequences or functions" (29).

  • Another good description found in our textbook states that "this perspective as[is] concerned with maintaining stability in the society and how the norms of society contribute to the overall good of society" (29).

  • Even traditionally negative aspects of society, such as crime, would be viewed as "meeting the needs of the people" (29).

  • This theory seeks to understand how each part of society fits into the larger picture. Using this perspective can also help us understand some of the values a culture holds.

Is the theory verifiable?

Structural Functionalism hasn't been verified yet because it is viewed subjectively. It can be said by some that the theory can be verified by looking at government statistics to see the value of certain activities.

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