Last Updated on August 10, 2025 by Karl Thompson
Functionalist theory is one of the key perspectives in A-level Sociology, offering a consensus-based view of society. Functionalists see society as a system made up of interdependent institutions, each performing important functions to maintain stability and social order. This page brings together my main resources on functionalism in sociology—covering classic theory, key concepts, critiques, and secondary examples applied to specific A-level topics. For an overview of all sociological theories, visit my main sociology theories page.
Functionalism in Sociology: Overview
An introductory guide to functionalism, explaining how it views society as a living organism where institutions work together to meet social needs. This post covers early functionalist thinkers like Comte, Spencer, and Durkheim, and outlines key features of the perspective. Read the full overview of functionalism in sociology here.
Functionalist Theory in Sociology
Explores the main principles of functionalist theory in depth, including the importance of value consensus, social integration, and the functions of social institutions. This is a core A-level Sociology resource, particularly useful for second-year theory and methods. See the complete functionalist theory explanation here.
Social Facts – Durkheim
A detailed look at Durkheim’s concept of social facts, the ‘things’ in society—such as laws, moral codes, and customs—that constrain and guide individual behaviour. This post explains why social facts are central to functionalist theory. Learn more about social facts here.
Robert Merton’s Internal Critique of Functionalism
Examines how Merton modified functionalism to address its limitations, introducing concepts like manifest and latent functions, and dysfunctions. This is essential for understanding internal diversity within functionalist thought. Read Merton’s critique of functionalism here.
Functionalism – A Level Sociology Revision Notes
A concise summary of functionalism tailored for A-level Sociology revision. Includes key thinkers, concepts, and criticisms in a quick-reference format. Access the full functionalism revision notes here.
Functionalist Theory Applied to Topics in Sociology
Functionalist theory is applied across many areas of sociology. These posts provide examples of functionalism in practice, useful for strengthening essays and applying theory to topic-specific content.
- Functionalist Perspective on the Family – How functionalists see the family as essential for primary socialisation and maintaining social order.
- Functionalist Perspective on Education – The role of schools in transmitting shared values and preparing individuals for work.
- Culture – Functionalist Perspectives – How culture creates social solidarity and shared meaning in society.
- Functionalist Perspective on Religion – Religion’s role in promoting social integration and stability.
- Functionalism and Crime & Deviance – How crime can have positive functions in reinforcing norms and values, as argued by Durkheim.
Explore more social theories within A level sociology
Functionalist theory is just one way to understand how society works. To see how it compares with Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism, and other perspectives, head to my main sociology theories hub.