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• How does Functionalist differ from Behaviorism? Why isn't Functionalism just Behaviorism?

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Final answer:

Functionalism sees society as a structure with interrelated parts, while behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and stimuli. Functionalism analyzes society as a whole, while behaviorism looks at individual behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

Functionalism, also called structural-functional theory, sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of the individuals in that society. Functionalism grew out of the writings of English philosopher and biologist, Herbert Spencer, who saw similarities between society and the human body. He argued that just as the various organs of the body work together to keep the body functioning, the various parts of society work together to keep society functioning.

Behaviorism, on the other hand, is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes. It views behavior as a response to stimuli in the environment, and emphasizes the importance of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.

The main difference between functionalism and behaviorism lies in their focus of analysis. Functionalism examines society as a whole and how its various parts work together to maintain social order, while behaviorism looks at individual behavior and how it is influenced by external stimuli and consequences.

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