Positive Social Change & Functionlism Theory
This Holistic Health Movement blog is grounded in Functionalism theory. Functionalism is positivistic, a value-free ideology where societal phenomena are viewed through a lens of objectivity (McClelland, 2000). According to functionalism, all things in society exist when they serve a purpose. Things exist because they promote the survival of the species. Functionalism simplifies sociological phenomena that are inherently complex by classifying them as either functional or dysfunctional without trying to unwind the mysterious and unexplainable curiosities of the human experience. Functionalists would say that an institution merely exists because it serves society.
Once something no longer serves society, it will fade away. As new demands become necessary, novel institutions will be created to meet the need (Understanding Functionalist Theory, 2020). For instance, suppose the government provided a service, such as schooling to the community. Let us say that law-abiding citizens support the schools by paying taxes. If schools did not benefit the citizens anymore, the school system became history, and a new school system would be born. Similarly, if a healthcare system is not serving society anymore, it will fade away.
Social change via a functionalist framework allows nature to take its course without attempting to interfere with the inertia of processes already in play. Therefore, functionalism does not adhere to agitating society to instigate social change (Understanding Functionalist Theory, 2020). Instead, functionalism trusts that humanity will evolve organically to address any issues that may arise. Thus, functionalists express caution in changing the world through coercion. This framework may seem too passive for those who like to stir up conflict. However, the Holistic Health Movement rests on the awareness that the current health care system is not sustainable. A new medical system will bloom organically in time, and the time is now.
References
McClelland, K. (2000). Functionalism. Retrieved from http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/soc/s00/soc111- 01/IntroTheories/Functionalism.html
Understanding Functionalist Theory. (2020). One of the Major Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology. Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/functionalist-perspective-3026625