Functionalist Perspective

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The functionalist perspective also known as functionalism or structural functionalism, focuses on how social order is possible and society remains stable. This perspective is characterized by how each part of society is interdependent and contributes to society as a whole. It’s a social consensus in which members share a common set of values, beliefs, and behavioral expectations (Kendall, 2013). When all the parts work well it creates social order and stability. When one part of the system does not work, all other parts are affected and the system no longer works leading to social change. We can compare this perspective to the body. We have various organs that work together in order for the body to function as a whole. Thus, every function …show more content…
The symbolic interactionist perspective emphasizes its focus on smaller groups; micro-level. Symbolic perspective puts people above all. It brings attention to every day-to-day interaction of individuals; furthermore, it is the communication of two people. Anything that represents something becomes a symbol. Thus, symbolic interaction occurs when people communicate through these symbols. However, interpretations may vary from one group to another. We often assume that our reality is shared by other which is not always the case. When people have different meanings of those symbols, problems can …show more content…
Functionalist would argue that homelessness is an interdependent part with fixed roles needed so that social order can occur and remain stable. Thus, homelessness is a necessary evil in order for society to function. Through this perspective, it is believed that the homeless can survive even if they were to live in inadequate conditions. It is an unavoidable function of society, which also creates the need for more jobs. Through the conflict perspective, homelessness can be viewed as a direct impact of income differences. Due to difficult times of our economy this could be true. As we recall, the conflict perspective analyzes things at a macrolevel so instead of analyzing this at the individual it becomes a larger issue of society. This would allow for homelessness to be viewed as a serious problem caused by the differentiation of job opportunities. Symbolic interactionist would analyze the culture and communication of homeless individuals. Through this perspective homelessness is not blamed on others. These individuals would make sense of their situation as it is a self-oriented approach; a process of constructing, deconstructing, and reconstructing yourself. Individuals reflect on the actions and choices they have taken in the process of becoming
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