Neo-Functionalism in Sociology

Introduction

Neo-functionalism is a modern augmentation to sociological theory, essentially a revitalization of Parsons’ and Merton's functionalism. The theory emerged amidst a wave of debates in the 1960s and 1970s concerning the value of structural functional analysis in sociology.

Key Figures

• George C. Homans: He criticized the once-dominant structural-functional perspective for hindering the comprehension of social phenomena. His core critique lay in the argument that structural-functional explanations were unscientific as they failed to explain empirical relations.
• Jeffery Alexander & Paul Colomy: These theorists are significant contributors to neo-functionalism. They defined it as a self-critical strand of functional theory that seeks to broaden functionalism’s intellectual scope while retaining its theoretical core.

Key features of Neo-functionalism

• Critique of Original Theory: Neo-functionalism critiques the basics of the original theory of functionalism, aiming to correct its shortcomings.
• Integration of Complex Traditions: Neo-functionalism seeks to integrate elements from mutually complicating theoretical traditions, allowing for a more comprehensive sociological understanding.
• Multifarious Manifestations: Instead of one single unveiling, neo-functionalism tends to manifest itself in multifarious variants.

Tendencies of Neo-functionalism, as outlined by Doshi (2003)

• Multi-dimensional: Neo-functionalism integrates both micro and macro theories, encompassing the sociological theories of individuals (micro) and society as a whole (macro).
• Left Orientation: Parsonian functionalism has been criticized for being conservative and supporting the interests of the elite. In contrast, neo-functionalism has a left-leaning ideology, challenging the status quo.
• Dominating Role of State: While traditional functionalism has established closeness to the state and government, neo-functionalism brings a shift, encouraging sociologists to maintain some distance from governmental influence.
• Orientation to Tension: Neo-functionalism acknowledges that the system must reorient itself for radical changes in the face of global and postmodern pressures, and it is not enough to merely 'manage' tensions.
• Move Towards Creative Activities: Neo-functionalism aims to overcome the inherent conservatism of functionalism, encouraging more creativity and specificity at theoretical levels.
• Tendency, Not Fully Developed Theory: Despite the vigorous efforts by Alexander and Colomy, they concluded that neo-functionalism is a tendency rather than a developed theory.

Key Contributions of Alexander to Neo-functionalism

• Descriptive Model of Society: Neo-functionalism sees society as composed of symbiotically connected elements forming a pattern, which allows the system to be differentiated from its environment.
• Balanced Attention to Action and Order: Alexander argued that neo-functionalism devotes equal attention to action and order, avoiding the structural functionalism's focus almost exclusively on macro-level sources of order.
• Focus on Integration: Neo-functionalism retains interest in integration, viewing it not as an accomplished fact, but rather as a social possibility.
• Emphasis on Social Change: Neo-functionalism is concerned with social change in the processes of differentiation within the social, cultural, and personality systems.
• Dependence of Conceptualization: Alexander argues that neo-functionalism "implies the commitment to the dependence of conceptualization and theorizing from other levels of sociological analysis."

Contributors such as Luhamann, Munch, and Colomy have also contributed significantly to the development of neo-functionalism. Despite its recent emergence, neo-functionalism has provided a collective air of ideological criticism, materialistic orientation, and interactionistic approaches, making it a promising field of sociological analysis.