Structural Functional Analysis: A Rudimentary Discussion

Structural-functional analysis is a quantitative and objective method of analyzing different political systems by conducting a thorough examination of the individual structures within the political systems, and the institutions that form these structures, by comparing and contrasting the functions and roles these structures and institutions perform within the political system. Structural functional analysis also explains the interdependence that exists between the different structures and institutions that form the political system.

In order to conduct a structural-functional analysis two points must be assumed a priori: One is that the functions of the structures that form the political system, and the roles of the institutions that constitute the structures within the political system may differ from country to country. Two, structural functionalism assumes that while, a political structure and its institutions may possess and exercise more power with regard to a particular function within the political system, in most cases a single structure and its institution will not be permitted to possess absolute control over any one function within the political system. For example, within the United States political system even though the President of the United States, in his capacity as chief executive can appoint cabinet secretaries, for these appointments to become permanent the appointments must be confirmed by the Senate of the United States.

Within the political system there are six different structures that can be subjected to analysis. The six structures are the following: political parties, interest groups, legislatures, executives, courts, and bureaucracies. The outputs produced by these six structures can be examined to obtain quantifiable data concerning the four process functions which must occur for policy to be made and implemented. The first two functions involve the articulation and aggregation of interests. The other two processes are concerned with policy-making and the implementation of policy.
Structural-functional analysis can also be utilized to collect data about the three systemic functions that determine whether or not the political system will change or remain the same. The three functions that are used in this determination are the following: political socialization, political recruitment, and political communication.

The use of these functions impart to the theory its greatest strength namely, that because the data is purely empiric the data is not subject to the vagaries of any bias possessed by the authors or survey takers. Conversely, the nature of the data also lends itself to the greatest weakness of the theory. Structural-functional analysis by its nature cannot be used to account for the beliefs, mores and customs adhered to by individuals.