A detailed analysis is provided of Spencer's view of the most fundamental structure of all societies militant oroindustrial simple or complex). It is next argued that Spencer's cardinal interests lay in determining what is common to all societies, and what is common to societies of a type or species (in respect of the essential focus of determinacy in social origins). In the main body, it is initially argued that Spencer's basic approach to social phenomena consists in a synthesis of social structuralism and culture-and-personality, and of a methodological individualism and collectivism These general tenets or ideas, it is pointed out, can be found as importantĮlements in the current functionalist literature, and an important future study would be one which provides a genetic history of functionalism, from Spencer to modern exponents. (6) an identification of types of societies and a corresponding structural-įunctional requisite analysis (7) an interpretation of sociocultural traits in their contexts and by their functions (8) the use of the functionalistĮxplanatory form, where consequences are part of the causal elements and (9) a view that, at bottom, societies hold together by common beliefs, traditions, and values. Tend to differentiate into subsystems corresponding to these requirements Requirements common to all societies (5) an hypothesis that total societies Order and social change (4) an assumption and identification of functional The main argument, which is developed throughout the study, is that Spencer's sociology can be characterised by the following elements: (1) a holistic orientation (2) an assumption of multiple and reciprocal causation (3) an application of an equilibrium model in respect of the problems of social The essay, then, provides an original and systematic analysis of Spencer's sociologyĪs functionalism and, in so doing, corrects much of the current critical Recognised, and, where recognised at all, not systematically demonstrated. It is contended that Spencer's sociology can be interpretedĪs a thoroughgoing functionalism. The aim of the study is to make a contribution to the empirical history of sociology by supplementing and revising the current critical literature on Herbert Spencer.
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