What is the body analogy?

The body analogy is used by the Functionalists to show the way in which society functions as an organism. It argues that society is made up of various institutions that act as vital organs and enable society to function cohesively. Without certain insititutions, for example religion, the Functionalists argue that society would fail, as each institution serves a purpose to enable the smooth running of society.

The approach also uses the analogy of specialised cells to show how certain institutions can perform vital functions and rely on others to function, but can also function on their own. In this sense, the functionalists see the model of society as being made up of a series of organs in a body that rely on each other and co-depend, aswell as having functional autonomy.