Structural Functionalism: What Is Good For Society

Why is it Wrong to say that “What is Good for Society, is Good for the Individual”

Structural Functionalism focuses on the idea of how Institutions within society are structured, and work together in order to eventually form a functional society. It doesn’t study the individuals of society, but provides analysis on the overall social system, its functionality, and how it affects human behaviour. This theory can also be understood by looking at the metaphor of organs within a system. Organs, much like Institutions, work together to form a functional system, where Institutions form a society. The theory of Structural Functionalism dates back to the early 20th century, and was created by Emile Durkheim and Herbert Spencer. During this time period,
This essay focuses on the story of an individual who committed suicide as a result of being investigated for involvement in a homosexual sex case. This connects to Structural Functionalism as one the issues with this theory is the inability to accept change. Structural Functionalism focuses on the idea that “What is good for society, is good for the individual.” This is incorrect as not everyone conforms to societal norms. During the 1980’s, the social norms of Canada was a Nuclear Family where the concept of homosexuality was an abomination. As a result of not fitting into the norms of society, this individual felt pressured and eventually took his own life. The author, Stephen Watson, also describes his experiences with dealing with homosexuality. He states that “If the truth ever got out, it would ruin my marriage, family, career, and standing in the community, where I would have little less to live for.” The suicide of an individual who was sensitive and respected, but different is not appropriate on any level. The individual’s death is all a result of society being “so tightly structured where it is difficult to be a slight deviant and not become a monstrous sinner,” where we are all partly
If we do not conform and follow a proper role and status, we are considered to be deviations from the norm. This concept can be seen in all forms of media. For example, The Imitation Game focuses on Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician whose challenge was to break the Nazi code. Even though he was a saviour to Britain, he was despised for being gay, as it went against social conformity. He was required to take medication in order to “remove” the homosexuality from him, even though he was born as that. Another example of the problems with Structural Functionalism would be in the Middle East. This region today is extremely conservative and is against all forms of change that goes against their religion. As a result, people who are different, such as being gay, are killed. In my personal experience, I have seen the benefits of Structural Functionalism and the negatives. The concept is beneficial for overall society as it gives us an understanding of how it should function overall. Though for the individual, it is never in their favour. In my life, I have gone against the social conformity, and against my expected role. For example, I enjoy classical music and having deep conversations with adults. This goes against conformity as most teenagers my age have a different appreciation for music. Furthermore, I enjoy reading the news, learning new hobbies, and then sharing my experience and knowledge with adults and