Final answer:
Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that depicts society as composed of interconnected parts working to maintain social order and stability. Examples include the education system adapting to social changes and the economy recovering from dysfunctions like the Great Recession.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structural functionalism is a sociological paradigm that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and maintain social order. It can be exemplified by the interconnectedness of societal institutions such as government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and the economy, all working together to meet the social and biological needs of individuals within a society.
An example of structural functionalism can be seen in the role education plays in modern society. According to functionalists, education serves various purposes, such as socialization, preparing for employment, and integrating individuals into society's value system. Additionally, schools have taken on additional roles traditionally managed by families, such as teaching human sexuality and basic life skills like budgeting and job applications. This illustrates how social institutions evolve and adapt to fulfill the necessary functions to maintain societal equilibrium.
However, functionalists also recognize that dysfunctions can occur, such as the economic disturbances resulting from the Great Recession. This event demonstrated that institutions like the financial market can fail to adapt quickly, leading to significant social disruptions. Thus, in functionalist theory, when dysfunctions arise, the affected institutions must undergo changes to restore balance to the system.