The word functionalism is applicable to diverse disciplines and sciences, such as sociology, psychology or architecture. In any of its areas, the concept of functionalism is a theoretical approach based on useful and pragmatic principles and perspectives, that is, functional.
Functionalism in sociology is a general theory of social reality
From 1930 on, sociology as a scientific discipline was inspired by a new theoretical paradigm, functionalism. This current was led by sociologists such as Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton, who were inspired by thinkers such as Durkheim, Comte or Spencer.
The main ideas of the functionalist movement are the following
1) the study of social reality as a global system, that is, as a whole,
2) each component or structure of the social system has a specific function,
3) a society is in a balanced situation when each social structure contributes something positive to the functioning of the whole of society and
4) society must be understood as a stratified order and with a hierarchical system.
It should be noted that the concept of function in sociology was adopted from another area of knowledge, biology (vital processes play a role and this idea was extrapolated to the sphere of society).
Functionalism in psychology is based on the idea of the adaptation of the individual to the environment
Functionalist psychologists conceive of the human mind and behavior from their specific functions. In other words, a form of knowledge or a behavior will be viable as long as it is useful. Thus, functionalism in psychology has been understood as a pragmatic and utilitarian approach.
Functionalism as a scientific paradigm must be placed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and its main representatives were William James, Harvey A. Carr and James McKeen Cattell. The central ideas of this current are the following:
1) human behavior must be understood as a logical consequence of the mechanisms of nature (this idea was clearly inspired by Darwin's approaches to natural selection and the struggle for the survival of the fittest),
2) psychology must establish the relationship between the biological factors of the individual and their mental processes and
3) the type of mental process of an individual is what allows its adaptation to a social environment.
Functionalism in architecture tries to give useful answers to human needs
At the beginning of the 20th century, functionalism emerged as a response to traditional architecture. New materials were introduced (for example, reinforced concrete or steel) and utilitarian approaches were adopted. Thus, the important thing in the construction of a building is to promote practical and functional issues and not ornamental aspects. The main representatives are Walter and Le Corbusier.
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