Question
What is a sociological theory? There is no best sociological theory. Discuss this statement
highlighting the following: two (2) strengths and two (2) weaknesses of Functionalism.
A sociological theory is defined as the study of human beings and the part they play in society. There are many different types of theories which sociologists through studies create which explain why humans behave the way they do. The three main and outstanding theories are the Functionalist Perspective, The Malthusian Theory and the Conflict Theory. All three theories in and of themselves explain behavior in society. However no one theory is without fault. The Functionalist Theory better known as Behaviorism or Functionalism can be used as an example to portray the fact that there is no best sociological theory, that there are evidences of both drawbacks and merits.
Functionalist view society as a social system of interconnected parts that work together as one, it looks society as a human body, which many parts with each part depending on each other to function. As stated there is perfect theory that describes a society. On drawback of this theory is where a functionalist named Emile Durkheim professed that all institutions within society worked together as one. The family, the school, church and the legal system are examples of institutions. A breakdown in institutions can be exemplified where in the church a child is taught to leave all vengeance to God. To not render evil for evil but overcome evil by doing good. Whilst in the home a father instills in his son that he must stand up for himself and be a man. On believes that if the society was one unit as the theorist states then institutions should be on the same accord and not conflict with each other.
Additionally, another drawback of this theory is the fact that Emile Durkheim from his observation of behavior believed that crime and violence was as a result of a lack of socialization. That...