Final answer:
Structural functionalism is associated with the broader ideology of functionalism in sociology, which views society as a system with interrelated parts working together to maintain stability and fulfill social needs. It employs a macro-level perspective to analyze social institutions and their interconnectedness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The broader ideology associated with structural functionalism is the overarching paradigm of sociology known as functionalism. Structural functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. This perspective grew out of the writings of Herbert Spencer, who likened society to a living organism with interdependent parts. British anthropologist Alfred R. Radcliffe-Brown further developed this approach, emphasizing how the structures of society reinforce one another to form a coherent whole.
This sociological perspective aligns with macro-level theories that analyze broad social structures and their roles in society. While functionalism looks at stability and harmony in society, it contrasts with theories like conflict theory which focus on power struggles and societal change. Structural functionalism has been influential in various fields, including gender studies and cultural anthropology, by providing a framework for examining the cohesion and function of social institutions.