How are social problems dealth with in a Functionalism approach?

Question

Functionalism also known as structural functionalism..

Can I also have examples ? thanks :)

Answer 1

Honestly, they aren't.  Functionalism argues that social phenomena exist for a purposeful reason through which someone(s) benefit or they wouldn't exist.

Examples of applying functionalism to social issues include prostitution, for example.  Prostitution would be considered functional because prostitutes make money, and patrons are able to have no-strings s*x so they will be less likely to rape someone, for example.  The drug trade could be considered functional because corporations benefit from the government's "war on drugs" by producing aircraft etc to be used to "fight" the "war on drugs".

Answer 2

I will partly agree with the above post, but I want to stress another point not made:

Structural functionalists do not believe in a static society.  They understand that new entities need to be brought into place to react to strains in different areas.  Using the prostitution example from above:

Prostitutes do create jobs and provide a release of sexual energy for those who need it.  However, prostitution creates strain in certain groups (like the religious right) who object to such behaviors.  Therefore, if the problem becomes big enough the system will adjust.  Police task forces may be developed to combat prostitution (more jobs, other benefits, et cetera again).  Tougher laws might be enacted (same as above).  

I just wanted to make the point that structural functionalists do not believe society will not change when something is out of place.  To the contrary, they believe that it will inevitably change.  Certain parts need to react to other parts.  This is especially true in any example from criminal justice.  I hope that helps to clarify!

Therefore to answer your original question of, "How are social problems dealth [sic] with in a Functionlism approach?" I must respond with the statement made above.  Systems will adjust.  New agents of social control will be made or modified, new laws enacted, new norms accepted, et cetera.  Functionalism would argue that they system most affected by a problem might not be capable of proper adjustment, but other systems can take up the slack and adjust the entire macro level system.