Functional analysis or structural functionalism is the argument that society is a whole unit made up of different parts that work together. It highlights the pros and cons of human activity. It is also argued that this theory is the origin of sociology. The two founding fathers of structural functionalism are Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons. They both argue that there are three things that make up the essence of society. Stability explains how social patterns contribute to society and how society is maintained. Most Sociologists would agree that there are hundreds of different patterns in society. Harmony explains that different parts of society work together for the good of the whole. The good of the whole is important; things need to be harmonious for the whole (society in general). It is one of the criteria that functionalist use to evaluate society. Everything and everyone works together in…show more content… All three theories explain how the body functions. Every organ must remain stable and work with each other in order for the body to functional properly. For example, the heart must have certain beats per minute in order to pump blood throughout the body. The brain must maintain a strong and healthy nervous system. The lungs and mouth must work together in harmony to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. If people get sick, then everything inside their body begins to work back to stability of health. If someone loses his/her sight, he/she develops a strong sense of smell, hearing, etc. Other senses of awareness become heightening because there is a weakness elsewhere. Lastly, the body is continuously evolving to battle new diseases and infections. Society works the same way. One great example is the distribution of currency. People earn, save, and spend money. Society relies on money for almost everything: food, transportation, clothes, emergencies,
