On the Basic Problems of Functional-Structural Analysis

• Published in: Japanese Sociological Review Vol. 12; no. 3-4; pp. 53 - 69,145
• Main Author: Sato, Tutomu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: The Japan Sociological Society 01.01.1962
• Subjects: Analysis/Analyses/Analyzing; Social structure/Social structures; Structural-functional/Theory/Analysis
• ISSN: 0021-5414; 1884-2755
• DOI: 10.4057/jsr.12.3-4_53

An attempt to re-examine the fundamental premises of the theory of soc structure & establish the bases of sfa as a major logic of analysis in sociol. Sfa is concerned with 3 basic themes: (1) system model - a concept concerned with the interdependence of factors which make up soc systems. The model, however, need not adhere to teleological thinking re the relations of parts to the whole. We must, therefore, abandon simple organism or integration models. (2) The fundamental problems of sf a are: analysis of action patterns in `structural context'; analysis of roles necessary to life situations in 'functional context'; & analysis of structural factors maintaining & changing these roles. & (3) Re a preliminary approach to role-structure, it is suggested that the framework of soc structures can be provided by means of role systems; status-role, actor, & collectivity. 6 others are substituted, functioning at diff analytical levels: (A) the level of soc interaction of actors (status-roles); (B) the level of structural-functional connection of instit's; (C) the level of domination-subordination; (D) the level of structural-functional relations of collectivities; (E) the level of soc system as a whole; & (F) the interrelation of the soc system & the external system. It is hoped that these categories will prove helpful in setting up a model of the soc system which will provide an empirically useful res mode. Modified AA.