What Is Structural Functionalism In Sociology. Structural functionalism 1 structural functionalism structural functionalism, or in many contexts simply functionalism, is a broad perspective in sociology and anthropology which sets out to interpret society as a structure with interrelated parts. For example, people wouldn't adhere to social roles as an optimal path to goals such as survival, stability, harmony and.

Furthermore, the perspective neglects the importance of individualism in the functioning of society. The structural functionalist perspective considers social reforms as paradoxical in nature. Functionalism is a key consensus theory that places importance on our shared norms and values as functioning members of society.it is a structural theory, which means it believes societal structures shape individuals.