Introduction to Sociology

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  Introduction to Theoretical Perspectives on Culture. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
  
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Functionalism on Culture and Technology

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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  Discuss how structural-functional theory views culture and technology
  

Functionalists view society as a system in which all parts work—or function—together to create society as a whole. In this way, societies need culture to exist. Cultural norms function to support the fluid operation and continued stability of society, and cultural values guide people in making choices. Just as members of a society work together to fulfill a society’s needs, culture exists to meet its members’ basic needs.
Functionalists also study culture in terms of values. Education is an important concept in the United States because it is valued. The culture of education—including material culture such as classrooms, textbooks, libraries, dormitories—supports the emphasis placed on the value of educating a society’s members.