Final answer:
Structural functionalism is the sociological theory that explains social organization and change in terms of the roles performed by different social structures and institutions, seeing society as a complex system where every part maintains societal stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sociological theory that explains social organization and change in terms of the roles performed by different social structures, phenomena, and institutions is called structural functionalism. This theory, also known as functionalism, views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. Functionalism contends that each aspect of society serves a function that contributes to the overall stability and functionality of society.
Functionalism grew from the ideas of Herbert Spencer who likened society to the human body, suggesting that just as the body's parts work harmoniously to make the body function, so do the parts of society work together to maintain societal health.
Social institutions such as government, education, family, healthcare, and religion are seen as acting cohesively to meet social needs. However, structural functionalism has been critiqued for its difficulty in explaining social change and for its tendency to perceive social issues as mere functions of society's structure.