Structural Functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system made up of various parts, each with a specific function. This theory suggests that social structures, such as institutions and norms, work together to maintain stability and order within a society. Each part contributes to the overall functioning of the whole, much like the organs of a body.
Key figures in this theory include Émile Durkheim, who emphasized the importance of social cohesion, and Talcott Parsons, who focused on how different social systems interact. Structural Functionalism helps explain how societal elements contribute to social stability and the maintenance of social order.