Functionalism is a theoretical perspective in sociology and psychology that emphasizes the role of social structures and institutions in maintaining stability and order in society. It views society as a complex system where each part works together to promote the overall functioning and well-being of the whole. Key figures in this approach include Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons, who studied how various elements, such as family, education, and religion, contribute to social cohesion. In psychology, functionalism focuses on mental processes and their purposes, rather than just the structure of the mind. This approach, associated with William James, seeks to understand how thoughts and behaviors help individuals adapt to their environments. By examining the functions of consciousness, functionalism laid the groundwork for later psychological theories, including behaviorism and cognitive psychology.