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Theoretical Perspectives Essay

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Theoretical Perspectives
Soc 102
April 15, 2012
Professor Davidson

I have chosen to analyze a church in the perspectives of a functional analysis. In order for a church organization to run smoothly, several people must work together. These people include the pastor, deacon, ushers and members of the congregation. Each of these people has to contribute to their part of the church in order for the organization to function properly. Because each contribution works with the others’ for the church to function properly, I believe the church can be analyzed in the perspective of a functional analysis; where society is viewed as an organism, in which all parts must work together in order for the organism to run smoothly (Henslin 2009). Everyone who is a part of a church organization has a part to uphold. This coincides with the perspective of a functionalist, which suggests everyone has a purpose or place in society. Social unity is expected to form either a mechanical solidarity or an organic solidarity. Mechanical solidarity is described as a form of society cohesion that arises when people in a society share similar beliefs and values and also engages in similar types of work. Organic solidarity is a form of social cohesion that arises when people in a society are interdependent, but uphold varying values and beliefs as well as engage in varying types of work (Henslin 2009). In a church, everyone has a part for which they are responsible to uphold. Durkheim viewed society as having many parts with their own function. Just as our bodies, when society is functioning together it is in a normal state and when it is not, it is abnormal or in a pathological state (Henslin 2009). In order for society to function properly, its various parts must work together. Functional analysis helps us understand how society functions and that if we work together, our lives can take a smoother, simpler course. Function analysis itself is also made up of interrelated parts that work together and if society in general is to function properly, its various parts must work together. Functional analysis is beneficial to human behavior in general. In the term functional analysis, the word functional can be defined as an existing balance within a group or society (Henslin 2009). When a family unit or a community is functioning properly with everyone working together and upholding their part; a peaceful, smoothly run and enjoyable environment is produced. Carrying on through our daily lives as functionalist, we are functioning in at a normal state. When applying functional analysis to our daily lives, we are working together for the benefit of ourselves as well as others. Functional analysis is part of life, body and society and without it we are put in an abnormal state where we cannot function properly or as smoothly as possible, because we are not functioning together. Source Henslin, J. M. (2009). Essentials of sociology: A down-to-earth approach (8th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. ISBN-13: 9780536941855

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