Final answer:
Functionalism describes how early humans formed a division of labor for group survival, assigning men to external activities like hunting and women to domestic duties, a system that was deemed functional and became a societal norm. This perspective, developed by sociologists like Emile Durkheim, views society as a structure with interrelated parts, Each serving a function to maintain social stability and order.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Functionalism
According to functionalism, early humans established a division of labor to ensure group survival. This sociological perspective posits that different gender roles originated well before the pre-industrial era, with men engaging in activities outside the home, such as hunting, while women took care of domestic responsibilities. These roles arose from practical considerations, as women faced physical restraints due to pregnancy and nursing, restricting their ability to venture far from home. Such division was not only seen as functional for the family system but also became a cultural norm passed down through generations, aiding in societal stability.
Functionalism is a theory from early 20th-century sociologist Emile Durkheim and further developed by anthropologists like Bronislaw Malinowski and A. R. Radcliffe Brown. Durkheim's concern was the waning cultural glue holding society together, advocating for a transition from mechanical to organic social order as societies grow. This theory views society as an interrelated structure similar to the organs of a human body as described by Herbert Spencer. Just as organs function to sustain the body, various parts of society function collaboratively to maintain social order, addressing biological and social needs through institutions like government, education, and family.
The application of this theory can also be seen in modern societal changes, such as schools taking over certain roles traditionally managed by the family. Moreover, functionalist views dictate that every aspect of society, including the government, serves a distinct purpose, from maintaining law and order to international relations. When dysfunctions occur, such as racial tensions or inequalities, functionalists believe in compensatory adjustments to restore societal balance.