Functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts, each contributing to the stability of the whole. Family, education, economy, government, and religion are like organs in a body. They perform functions that keep society alive. When one part changes, others must adapt.

Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton shaped the theory in the mid-20th century. Merton distinguished manifest functions (intended and obvious) from latent functions (unintended and hidden). The manifest function of college is education. A latent function is finding a spouse. Dysfunctions are consequences that undermine stability.

Key concepts

• Social structure: patterned relationships and institutions
• Manifest functions: intended outcomes
• Latent functions: unintended outcomes
• Dysfunctions: disruptive outcomes

Functionalism fell out of favor in the 1960s and 70s. Critics said it justified the status quo and ignored power and conflict. It has since been revised, but its core insight remains: social institutions are interdependent, and change in one ripples through others.