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According to Structural-functionalism (often paraphrased “Functionalism”), society is:
• An organism, a system of parts, all of which serve a function together for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of society.

Structural-functionalism is a consensus theory; a theory that sees society as built upon order, interrelation, and balance among parts as a means of maintaining the smooth functioning of the whole. Structural-Functionalism views shared norms and values as the basis of society, focuses on social order based on tacit agreements between groups and organizations, and views social change as occurring in a slow and orderly fashion. Functionalists acknowledge that change is sometimes necessary to correct social dysfunctions (the opposite of functions), but that it must occur slowly so that people and institutions can adapt without rapid disorder.

The set of theories that differs most significantly from Functionalism is Conflict Theory. Conflict theories emphasize the dominance of some social groups over others, view social order as maintained by manipulation and control by dominant groups, and see social change as occurring rapidly and in a disorganized fashion, with subordinate groups needing to overthrow dominant groups in order to create equality and change in the system. In these ways, conflict theory is almost the direct opposite of functionalism.

Structural Functionalism makes 7 main assumptions. These assumptions focus on several levels of analysis [society, community, individual, social unit (e.g. family, organizations)]:
• Systems have a property of order and an interdependence of parts
o Societies and social units are held together by cooperation and orderliness
• Systems tend toward self-maintaining order, or equilibrium
o Societies and social units work best when they function smoothly as an organism, with all parts working toward the “natural” or smooth...