structural functionlism theory
QUESTION
BY USING THE STRUCTURAL- FUNCTIONALIST THEORY, DISCUSS PROBLEMS FACING OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES IN ZAMBIA
In any political system are structures that have different functions to ensure an effective and smooth running of things in that particular political system. This is why this essay will discuss the problems faced by opposition political parties in Zambia using the structural functionalist theory. First it will explain what structural functionalism is, then it will define structures, functions, a political party and an opposition party then before giving the conclusion it will discuss the problems faced by opposition parties in Zambia.
Johari (2011) defines structural functionalism as a means of explaining what political structures perform what basic functions in a political system, it is a tool of investigation. Macions and Gerber (2010:14) states “this approach looks at society through a macro-level orientation, which is a broad focus on the social structures that shape society as a whole and by this society evolves like organisms”.
According to Johari (2011:73) “functions deal with the consequences involving objectives as well as processes of the patterns of action, Structures refer to those arrangements within the system which perform the functions. For example the police are a structure within the political system that have a function of maintaining peace and order. “In the concept of functions, three basic questions are involved- what basic functions are discharged in any given system, by what instruments those functions are performed and under what conditions the performance of these functions are done”,(Ibid). Merton (1957:51) says “functions are those observed consequences which make for the adaptation or re-adjustment of a given system and dysfunctions those observed consequences which lessen the adaptation or adjustment of the system”.
A political party is a body of men united for promoting the national interests on some particular
BY USING THE STRUCTURAL- FUNCTIONALIST THEORY, DISCUSS PROBLEMS FACING OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES IN ZAMBIA
In any political system are structures that have different functions to ensure an effective and smooth running of things in that particular political system. This is why this essay will discuss the problems faced by opposition political parties in Zambia using the structural functionalist theory. First it will explain what structural functionalism is, then it will define structures, functions, a political party and an opposition party then before giving the conclusion it will discuss the problems faced by opposition parties in Zambia.
Johari (2011) defines structural functionalism as a means of explaining what political structures perform what basic functions in a political system, it is a tool of investigation. Macions and Gerber (2010:14) states “this approach looks at society through a macro-level orientation, which is a broad focus on the social structures that shape society as a whole and by this society evolves like organisms”.
According to Johari (2011:73) “functions deal with the consequences involving objectives as well as processes of the patterns of action, Structures refer to those arrangements within the system which perform the functions. For example the police are a structure within the political system that have a function of maintaining peace and order. “In the concept of functions, three basic questions are involved- what basic functions are discharged in any given system, by what instruments those functions are performed and under what conditions the performance of these functions are done”,(Ibid). Merton (1957:51) says “functions are those observed consequences which make for the adaptation or re-adjustment of a given system and dysfunctions those observed consequences which lessen the adaptation or adjustment of the system”.
A political party is a body of men united for promoting the national interests on some particular
Bibliography: Almond, A.G. and Powell, G.B., (1966). Comparative politics, A Developmental Approach. Boston: Little Brown. Ball, R.A., (1976) Easton, D., (1965). The Political System. New York: John Wiley. Garner, J.W., (1952). Political Science and Government. Calcutta: World Press. Johari, J.C., (2011). Comparative Politics. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers Ltd. Merton, R., (1957). Social theory and Social Structure. London: The Free Press of Glencoe. Macionis, J.J., and Gerber, L.M., (2010). Sociology: 7th Canadian Ed. Pearson Canada Inc. Sisson and Snowiss (1975). Legislatures in the Context of Modernisation. A paper presented at the 2nd International Conference on Legislative Development. State University of New York, Albany January 20-24.