Functional structuralism

This article is about a concept in sociology. For a concept in linguistics, see functional structuralism (linguistics).

Functional structuralism is a spin-off from systems theory in sociology. Systems theory, following Talcott Parsons, began as a structural-functionalist theory, that is, social structures were stressed and placed at the center of analysis, and social functions were deduced from these structures. In functional-structuralist theory, in contrast, the initial focus is on the function of an aspect of society, and only after functions have been specified are enabling structures designated.

See also

• Action theory

Further reading

• Walter L. Wallace (1969). Sociological Theory: An Introduction. AldineTransaction. pp. 25–28. ISBN 978-0-202-36919-8.
• Milton E. Harvey; Brian P. Holly (18 March 2014). Themes in Geographic Thought (Routledge Revivals). Taylor & Francis. p. 59. ISBN 978-1-317-75232-5.
• Walter L. Wallace (1969). Sociological Theory: An Introduction. AldineTransaction. pp. 25–28. ISBN 978-0-202-36919-8.