The functionalist perspective sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. ... Functionalism addresses society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements, namely: norms, customs, traditions, and institutions.

How does functionalism affect society?

Functionalism emphasizes the consensus and order that exist in society, focusing on social stability and shared public values. ... When one part of the system is dysfunctional, it affects all other parts and creates social problems, prompting social change.

How is change viewed in a functionalist view of society?

In structural functionalism, social change is regarded as an adaptive response to some tension within the social system. When some part of an integrated social system changes, a tension between this and other parts of the system is created, which will be resolved by the adaptive change of the other parts.