Final answer:
The circular reasoning within functionalist perspectives is known as a tautology, which is a form of reasoning that is problematic because it assumes repetition confirms functionality without addressing persistent dysfunctions or accounting for social change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The circular reasoning within the functionalist perspective is actually called a tautology. This criticism highlights a flaw in functionalism as it assumes that societal behaviors and structures are functional simply because they are repeated. However, the theory struggles with explaining why dysfunctions persist when they do not contribute a positive function to society, leading to circular reasoning.
Furthermore, the functionalist perspective, being a macroanalytical view, focuses on how all aspects of society contribute to its overall health and viability. It asserts the necessity of various social structures and their roles, yet fails to account for social change and historical context, including the impact of colonialism or economic disruptions like the Great Recession.