Walmart: Functionalist Perspective

Functionalism comes from macro theory. It is a universal theory that explains how everything works together to form a functioning society. Think of it like the human body. The body has different organs, that does different jobs, but they all work together so that the body can survive. That is the idea of functionalism. Everything and everyone has a purpose that helps society. Take Walmart for example. Its existence serves an important function. All the different components of the functionalist perspective are seen in Walmart. Manifest functions are the obvious reasons why something exist, in this case Walmart. Walmart is a one stop shop. It has clothes, food, medicine, gas, and even a place that fix cars. It was created to have everything that one might need, in one place. People of society are busy and have a lot of other things, more important than shopping, that demands their time. Being able to make one stop that completes all tasks, serves
Since Walmart is a place for all social classes to shop, there is a chance of meeting new and different people. High end stores attract upper class people meaning that when shopping there its more than likely going to but just that class of people. Walmart offers a way to make connections and open people up to new things. It is important in society to experience new things and meet new people, it is a good way to build one’s self and the environment. Walmart is very cultural also. It has food, clothes, and other things from a variety of cultures. One may also get some exercise in while walking around taking in the vast selection. People have become very lazy with the new technology today and put exercising on the back burner. Fast food places have eliminated some of the walking people must do with the creation of the drive-thru. Walmart do not have a drive-thru, so customers are forced to get out and walk around to find the things they