What does structural functionalism view society as?

Structural functionalism views society as a complex set of known structures and relationships, emphasizing that each part of society plays a specific role that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of the whole. This perspective asserts that various institutions, such as family, education, religion, and government, interact with each other to maintain social order and equilibrium. Each structure has a distinct function that supports the societal system, thus allowing the society to remain cohesive and resilient over time.

This approach contrasts with views that emphasize instability or chaos, as structural functionalism sees society as relatively stable due to the interdependence of its parts. It also does not regard society as a mere collection of unrelated elements; rather, it acknowledges the significance of relationships among these elements and the contributions they make to social stability. Additionally, structural functionalism does not focus on individual behaviors in isolation; instead, it highlights how individual actions are influenced by social structures and the collective norms established within a society.