The functionalist perspective is a sociological approach that emphasises the way that the various parts of a society are structured to maintain its overall stability, order, and equilibrium. This perspective views society as a complex system composed of interconnected institutions, such as the family, education, government, and the economy, each with its own specific functions that contribute to the smooth operation of the whole. Functionalists analyse social phenomena by examining the roles they play in meeting the needs of society and promoting social cohesion. They focus on how shared values, norms, and consensus create a sense of social solidarity and enable society to function effectively. Social change, from a functionalist viewpoint, tends to be gradual and adaptive, occurring in response to disruptions in the social system to restore stability. Key theorists associated with functionalism include Émile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton.