what are the key functionalist ideas of society?

Functionalists,such as the key figure Durkheim, see society in a mostly positive light. Therefore they are 'consensus theory' meaning they see society as currently fair and effective. They see society as based on a value consensus between its members which allows for social order and harmony. Members are integrated into a shared community which produces social solidarity (homogenity of individuals,feeling connected) and allows society to function effectively. Functionalism is also a top down, structuralist theory meaning they see things from the larger picture, for example the social institutions which make up a larger part of our world rather than individuals themselves. Their view of society is much like a human body which they call the 'organic analogy' which basically explains how each part of system in our body works together and helps us to function properly, so, in the context of society, institutions and organisations work together to produce harmony, eg education system, NHS...