Understanding Functionalism: From Durkheim to Parsons in Social Theory

In this lesson, Simon from SocioScholar unravels the concept of functionalism, tracing its origins from classical thinkers like Émile Durkheim and Herbert Spencer, to Talcott Parsons' impactful interpretations in the 20th century. We'll dissect the idea of society as a coordinated machine, where every piece, from families to institutions, plays a critical role. But, it's not all about harmony. Critics argue that functionalism might wear rose-colored glasses, ignoring societal conflicts and inequalities. Whether you're a supporter or a critic, understanding functionalism is key to navigating complex social theories.

📌Contents:
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Functionalism's Rise, Reign, and Rumble
02:10 - Understanding Functionalism
03:34 - Key Figures in Functionalist Theory
05:45 - Functionalism Today
07:06 - Quiz

🔎 For the keen learners who tackled our quiz:

The answer is 'c'.
You got it, it's 'c'.
Once more, it's 'c'.

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See you in our upcoming videos on Parsonian functionalism and Luhmann’s systems theory! 👋🎓📚