What is Functionalism?

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Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology which holds the belief that society is relatively stable, which means that things occur in society for a specific function and those functions help maintain stability. For this reason, social institutions such as family, political system, educational system, and the economy are critical for society to function properly as each of them is designed to fill different needs. In fact, according to the functionalist theory, an institution only exists because it serves a vital role in the functioning of society. Thus, if a social institution no longer serves a role, it will die away. And when new needs evolve or emerge, new institutions will be created to meet them.