Political System vs. Structural Functionalism by Almond

Attribute	Political System	Structural Functionalism by Almond
Definition	A system of government and the institutions that make up that government	A theory that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and solidarity
Focus	On the organization and functioning of government	On the interrelated parts of society and how they contribute to social order
Key Figures	Various political scientists and theorists	Gabriel Almond, a prominent political scientist
Approach	Examines the distribution of power, decision-making processes, and political behavior	Emphasizes the functions and dysfunctions of social institutions in maintaining social order

Introduction

Political System and Structural Functionalism are two important concepts in the field of political science. Both theories provide insights into how societies function and are organized. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Political System and Structural Functionalism as outlined by Almond.

Political System

Political System, as defined by Almond, refers to the interactions and relationships between various political institutions within a society. Almond emphasizes the importance of understanding how these institutions work together to maintain stability and order. He argues that a well-functioning political system is essential for the overall health of a society.

Almond identifies several key attributes of a political system, including the distribution of power, the role of political parties, and the functioning of government institutions. He also highlights the importance of political culture and how it shapes the behavior of individuals within a society. Almond's framework provides a comprehensive understanding of how political systems operate.

Structural Functionalism

Structural Functionalism, on the other hand, is a sociological theory that focuses on how society is structured and how its various parts work together to maintain stability. Almond applies this theory to the study of political systems, emphasizing the interdependence of different institutions and social structures.

According to Almond, Structural Functionalism helps us understand how political systems adapt to changes in their environment and how they maintain equilibrium. This theory highlights the importance of each part of the system playing a specific role in ensuring the overall functioning of society. Almond's application of Structural Functionalism to political systems provides a holistic view of how societies are organized.

Comparison

When comparing Political System and Structural Functionalism, it is clear that both theories share some similarities. Both emphasize the importance of understanding how different parts of a system work together to maintain stability and order. They also highlight the role of institutions and social structures in shaping society.

However, there are also key differences between the two theories. Political System focuses specifically on the interactions between political institutions, while Structural Functionalism takes a broader view of society as a whole. Political System is more concerned with the distribution of power and the functioning of government, while Structural Functionalism looks at how all parts of society contribute to its overall functioning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Political System and Structural Functionalism are both valuable frameworks for understanding how societies are organized and function. While Political System focuses on the interactions between political institutions, Structural Functionalism takes a broader view of society as a whole. By comparing the attributes of these two theories as outlined by Almond, we can gain a deeper understanding of how societies operate and maintain stability.