Final answer:
Functionalism equates culture to a biological organism with interrelated parts that work together to meet the needs of society; this analogy is rooted in Herbert Spencer's work. Thus, the assertion that culture is like a biological organism in functionalism is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functionalism is indeed the view that culture is similar to a biological organism. This perspective, also known as structural-functional theory, compares society to a biological organism where various operating parts work together to maintain the stability and functioning of the whole. This idea was notably developed by Herbert Spencer, who drew an analogy between society and the human body, stating that just as organs work together to keep the body functioning, different parts of society work together to maintain its functioning.
Social institutions serve as the 'organs' of society, each fulfilling essential functions. These include government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and the economy, all designed to meet the biological and social needs of individuals within society. Cultural norms and values play a crucial role in guiding individuals and ensuring smooth operation and social cohesion. In a similar vein, culture as a whole exists to meet the collective social and personal needs of society's members.
Therefore, the statement that culture is similar to a biological organism in the context of functionalism can be considered true.