The functionalist theory states that society is a complex system whose stability is determined by the relationship among various distinct functional parts. Family, government, religion and the community are some of the key social structures that dictate how people behave. However, it is worth noting that each social structure has a consequential contribution to the main goal of the society ( Mulkay, 2014) . For example, the effectiveness of both family and community are anchored on the rituals and complex ceremonies stipulated by religion. Aspects such as handshakes are determined by how people are rooted to the postulations of the church. Therefore, failure of the church to nurture good morals in the society may have adverse implications on the general behavior.
In analyzing the functionalism theory, it is worth considering that societal stability can only be achieved if the respective social institutions share common norms and possess a definitive cohesive culture. As much as a society is built through the interaction of social institutions, it is worth noting that structural functionalism resonates with the status quo ( Mulkay, 2014) . For instance, when there exists a gender inequality in the society, every group will know its roles which allows the institutions to work smoothly. Therefore, the roles of each institution will be anchored on the key concepts surrounding gender inequality. It is with this knowledge that we can conclude that people’s behavior is shaped by the institutional culture nurtured in society. However, in the event that one of the social institutions opposes to the maintained status quo, conflicts emerge which as a result violates the established behavioral norms. Therefore, for a society to thrive, there needs to be a harmonious equilibrium among the functional institutions. For instance, the government can support families by catering for their educational needs. However, for the government to run effectively, it depends on the taxes contributed by the respective family and educational institutions. With effective interdependence among institutions, social drawbacks such as crime are reduced in society. But when the family fails to own its obligation, the government fails to support the educational institution which consequently leads to the existence of unacceptable behavior in the society.
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Theoretical Application
It is also important to note that changes in people’s lives can well be explained by the concepts elicited in the functionalist theory. The economic recession is an example of a social order that is within the concepts of the functionalist theory. Generally, economic recession refers to a period mired by high unemployment rates, drop in the stock and housing market. This social problem is majorly contributed by high inflation rates, reduced real wages and consumer confidence ( Saurugger, 2013) . As postulated by the functionalist theory, the economic recession is a consequence of disharmony among the various institutions that promote societal stability ( Saurugger, 2013) . In evaluating the changes associated with the economic recession, it is worth considering that this menace is instigated by high levels of capitalism. When there exists a free market, capitalists end up owning major resources in the society which as a result increases the prices of goods and high unemployment rates. Therefore, people’s spending power is determined by the relationship of various social institutions. For instance, failure of the government to control capitalism aggravates the gap between the rich and the poor ( Saurugger, 2013) . As a result, the process limits liquidity since only a few enterprises are controlling the price of goods. This is the reason behind high spending rates since a small quantity of a commodity ends up being acquired at very high price.
When economic recession exists, people end up losing their original jobs since they will lack enough funds to invest. Therefore, job expectations during an economic recession are low since there will be a large number of people competing for limited job opportunities. However, the existence of this social order is a result of disharmony between the various societal functional groups. Disharmony between the government and the community aggravates this problem. Also, religion plays an important role in this perspective since capitalism is considered to harbor evil intentions in society. Therefore, failure of the respective religious groups to initiate calls that oppose capitalism could be a reason behind low job expectations and unemployment in society. Also, considering that functionalism theory is supportive of the status quo, it is no coincidence that the church’s failure to alleviate capitalism is the real cause of high inequality levels between the rich and the poor. Therefore, for a society to prosper there needs to be an effective interdependence between the government, community and the religion.
Also, life changes associated with salary can well be explained using the functionalist theory. Mostly, when there exists an economic recession, the high inflation rates reduce the salary schemes. Even though the wages may not be reduced in the real sense but the associated increase in the prices of goods makes the real wages look minimal to cater for people’s basic needs. However, this problem can be mitigated through the establishment of a proper equilibrium between the various social institutions. Can capitalism exist if the community is opposed to it? Or can the government support the status quo if the family, religious groups and other social institutions are opposed to it? In answering these questions, it is worth acknowledging that the solutions to these economic problems are within the contributions of each social institution.
Effects of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is a problem that can well be explained using the functional theory of sociology. Indulgence of individuals in alcoholism and marijuana usage is a consequence of a failed harmony between the various institutions that promote societal stability. However, drug abuse is associated with sociological problems such as domestic violence, crime, and rape cases. In most cases when people indulge in drug abuse, they are likely to experience impaired judgment, hallucinations, impulsiveness, and general aggressiveness. Even though the effects are generally affiliated with the health perspectives, their impact on the general sociological domain can be imaginable. Through an impaired judgment, victims can show aggressiveness which may result in increased cases of domestic violence and criminal behavior in general ( Mulkay, 2014) . However, the effects of this social problem are a consequence of the failed initiates of the government, family, and religion to work in unison. When the church does not preach against alcoholism, can the family alleviate the problem? With this knowledge, it is no secret that the sociological problems associated with drug abuse can only be mitigated through establishing a harmonious relationship among the associated societal institutions. For instance, the impulsivity and general aggressiveness initiated by alcoholism can compel the victims towards perpetrating violence towards their female counterparts ( Mulkay, 2014) .
Even though this problem is instigated by the psychological impact of the abused drugs, it is worth pointing out the environmental factors contributing to these social problems. When the family, church, government and the educational institutions do not work together, there is a likelihood of unacceptable behavior being nurtured in the society. Therefore, when societal institutions resonate with the existing social order, domestic violence, crime, poverty, and illiteracy become the norm. Based on this concept, it is time for the concerned social institutions to work interdependently to alleviate the adverse effects of drug abuse. Effects such as poverty are a consequence of the government to support the family and the education institutions financially.
References
Mulkay, M. (2014). Functionalism, Exchange and Theoretical Strategy (RLE Social Theory) . Routledge.
Saurugger, S. (2013). Theoretical approaches to European integration . Macmillan International Higher Education.
