The Development of Functionalism in Sociology and Anthropology

About the lecture

In this lecture, we think about the early development of functionalism as an approach within sociology and anthropology, focusing in particular on: (i) Émile Durkheim’s early functionalist method, particularly his understanding of society as sui generis, and his explanation of the reproduction of practices and institutions in terms of the functions they serve; (ii) some of the key criticisms of Durkheim’s approach, such as its neglect of individual agency and its alleged conservatism; (iii) Durkheim’s comparative functionalist method, which argued that there are universal functions which all societies across the world need to perform and which create similar practices and institutions that can be analysed comparatively; (iv) the influence of Durkheim’s approach in anthropology.

About the lecturer

Professor John Holmwood is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Nottingham. He researches sociological theory and issues around education and schooling. His recent publications include (with Gurminder Bhambra) Colonialism and Modern Social Theory (2021), (with Therese O’Toole) Countering Extremism in British Schools? The Truth about the Birmingham Trojan Horse Affair (2018) and (as co-editor) A Handbook of British Sociology (2014).