Functionalism views society as a system that is a set of interconnected parts which together form a whole.Society is a basic unit of analysis and its various parts are understood primarily in terms of their relationship to the whole.Thus social institutions such as the family and religion are analysed as a part of the social system rather than as isolated units.In particular they are understood with reference to the contribution they make to the system as a whole.The main premise of functionalism
Functional analysis involves the prior conceputalization of a system and definite emphasis on the primacy of the system over elements.
The elements of the system are functionally interrelated.
Every element of the system has a function which contributes positively to continued operation of that system.
Functionalism maintains that the dominant condition of society is order reinforced by stability and consensus and not conflcit based on coercion and dissention. There are certain functional requisites that must be met if a system is to survive.