I plan to explain how structural functionalism is relevant to the Army (system) and its concerns with domestic violence. Structural functionalism seeks to study social phenomena in the same empirical way as the hard sciences such as physics or chemistry. Likewise, structural functionalism seeks to maintain stability and unity within a system through its application of a model. This observation, model application, and analysis of social phenomena is apparent via the acronym AGIL. AGIL stands for Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency.

QUESTION

I plan to explain how structural functionalism is relevant to the Army (system) and its concerns with domestic violence. Structural functionalism seeks to study social phenomena in the same empirical way as the hard sciences such as physics or chemistry. Likewise, structural functionalism seeks to maintain stability and unity within a system through its application of a model. This observation, model application, and analysis of social phenomena is apparent via the acronym AGIL. AGIL stands for Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency.

AGIL applies to domestic violence when: 1. The Army uses its embedded institutions to satisfy its need for combating domestic violence. An example of an embedded institution would be the Family Advocacy Program and its goal of reducing instances of abuse and neglect. The establishment of the Family Advocacy Program as well as the goals that address the concern of domestic violence is an example of Goal Attainment. Goal attainment could measure success through the study of trends.

2. The Army potentially addresses Adaptation needs after changes of rapid deployments or social disruptions (e.g., COVID-19 / implementation of social distancing) which have the tendency to increase instances of domestic violence. The Army might combat these changes through policy implementation in various embedded institutions for example: Family Advocacy Program, Judge Advocate General Corps, or mental health community.
3. The Army might address Integration needs in many ways. One way could be through its internal coordination amongst the many institutions it possesses. Internal coordination could mean that there is more dialogue between institutions like the Family Advocacy Program and the Judge Advocate General Corps, the Military Police Corps, or the Chaplain Corps. Another way internal coordination could occur is within the internal processes and activities of a program that has the most contact with alleged offenders (I.e., Family Advocacy or Judge Advocate General Corps).
4. Lastly the Army could address accomplishing its integration needs by obtaining pattern maintenance or Latency. Latency could resemble communicating and emphasizing the Army values or good order and discipline philosophies to all the members of the system. The Army could also perpetuate latency through supporting evidence-based practices within treatment. Latency ensures continuity and stewardship of the profession (system) by passing these views on to future generations including workers and clients. Latency addresses the structural functionalism idea of social stability.

Assignment Instructions

Using APA 7^th Edition, Locate 10 Scholarly (Peer-Reviewed) sources that

identify, define, and describe a group, organization, or community theory/model (Functional Structuralism) that pertains to the identified problem, (Domestic Violence in the Army) and discuss its application to your practice topic.  Briefly summarize the theory/model, discuss key concepts of the theory, and apply key concepts to an evaluation of your practice problem/issue/opportunity. The theory should be evaluated from the standpoint of its usefulness in understanding and/or intervening to address your topic issue.

This assignment should be seven pages of text, double-spaced, using 12 inch Times New Roman Font, and is NOT TO EXCEED eight pages of text (not including abstract, title, and reference pages), and is to comply strictly with APA (7th Edition) citation requirements and formatting. In addition to relevant course readings and the course text, the paper must include and reference at least TEN other scholarly articles or book chapters.

Using professional writing/language: Recovery language and concepts are empowering and essential when speaking and writing in the profession of Social Work and all of behavioral health. Master and use this language in this course and others. This practice maintains the integrity of persons addressed by avoiding pathologizing and paternalizing language. For example, “A person with schizophrenia,” or a “person with a lived experience of schizophrenia,” versus “schizophrenic” or identifying someone by their illness. “A person who uses a wheelchair,” versus “a person confined to a wheelchair.” “A person who died by suicide,” versus “a person who committed suicide.”

The following outline for the research paper should be used (page numbers are approximate):

1. Introduction (1 page): (10 Points)

Clearly identify and describe the issue/problem/opportunity of interest, identify the selected theory/model, briefly describe its relevance to your issue, and briefly state how the issue AND theory/model are relevant to military social work.

1. Detailed description of selected theory/model and concepts: (Est 2 pages): (30 Points)

Describe in detail the selected theory/model and its concepts and state briefly why this theory/model was selected for application to your practice interest.

1. Detailed evaluation of the theory as it relates to practice interest (Est 2-3 pages): (30 Points) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using concepts of the chosen theory/model to address the practice interest. Include any scholarly evaluations of the theory/model in relation to the practice interest.
2. Conclusion and Personal Reflections (Estimated 1 page) (20 Points)

Briefly discuss your own values and professional commitments and how this theory/model relates to them (refer to the Social Work Code of Ethics and incorporate at least three values).  Is this theory congruent with your values?  Specify the implications for your population/topic of interest and implications for further research.

ANSWER

 Structural Functionalism and its Application to Address Domestic Violence in the Army

Introduction

Domestic violence poses a significant concern within the Army community, impacting the well-being of service members and their families. This paper explores the application of the group theory/model of structural functionalism in understanding and addressing domestic violence in the Army. Structural functionalism emphasizes maintaining stability and unity within a system through the AGIL model: Adaptation, Goal Attainment, Integration, and Latency. By examining the embedded institutions and their goals, this theory/model can shed light on the Army’s efforts to combat domestic violence.

Detailed Description of Structural Functionalism

Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that views society as a complex system composed of various interconnected parts (Lumen Learning, n.d.). It aims to study social phenomena in an empirical manner, similar to the natural sciences. The AGIL model provides a framework for analyzing how societies maintain stability and fulfill their functional needs.

The four key concepts of the AGIL model are as follows

Adaptation: This concept refers to a system’s ability to adapt to changes in its environment. In the context of the Army and domestic violence, rapid deployments and social disruptions (e.g., COVID-19) can increase instances of abuse. The Army addresses this need for adaptation through policy implementation within embedded institutions such as the Family Advocacy Program, Judge Advocate General Corps, and mental health community.

Goal Attainment: Goal attainment focuses on the system’s ability to achieve its objectives. The Army establishes embedded institutions like the Family Advocacy Program, which aims to reduce instances of abuse and neglect. By setting specific goals related to domestic violence prevention, the Army measures success through the study of trends and the effectiveness of these institutions.

Integration: Integration refers to the coordination and collaboration among various institutions within the system. The Army can address integration needs by promoting internal coordination between institutions like the Family Advocacy Program, the Judge Advocate General Corps, the Military Police Corps, and the Chaplain Corps. This ensures effective communication, shared knowledge, and coordinated efforts to address domestic violence.

Latency: Latency focuses on maintaining social stability and continuity by transmitting values and promoting adherence to shared norms (Meredith, 2011). In the Army, promoting good order and discipline, emphasizing Army values, and supporting evidence-based practices within treatment are examples of fostering latency. By passing on these views to future generations, including workers and clients, the Army ensures the perpetuation of social stability.

Evaluation of Structural Functionalism in Addressing Domestic Violence

The application of structural functionalism provides several advantages in understanding and addressing domestic violence in the Army. It offers a comprehensive framework that considers the interconnectedness of institutions and their roles in maintaining social stability. By addressing the four key concepts of AGIL, the Army can develop a holistic approach to combat domestic violence.

However, there are also limitations to consider. Structural functionalism may overlook power dynamics and inequalities within the system, potentially obscuring the root causes of domestic violence (Montesanti & Thurston, 2015). It is essential to supplement this theory with critical perspectives that account for social disparities and structural factors.

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

In conclusion, structural functionalism offers a valuable lens through which to understand and address domestic violence within the Army. By examining the embedded institutions and their goals, the AGIL model provides a systematic approach to combat this issue. The theory’s emphasis on adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency aligns with the Army’s efforts to promote a safe and supportive environment for service members and their families.

Personally, as a social worker, I value the principles of social justice, empowerment, and dignity of individuals. Structural functionalism’s focus on social stability and continuity resonates with these values, as it seeks to create a secure environment for all members of the Army community. However, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of this theory and integrate other perspectives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of domestic violence and its complex dynamics.

Implications for further research include exploring the intersectionality of domestic violence within the Army, considering the experiences of marginalized groups, and assessing the long-term effectiveness of embedded institutions in reducing instances of abuse. By continually evaluating and adapting intervention strategies, the Army can enhance its response to domestic violence and promote the well-being of its personnel and their families.

References

Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Structural-Functional Theory | Introduction to Sociology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-introductiontosociology/chapter/structural-functional-theory/ 

Meredith, L. S. (2011, January 1). Promoting Psychological Resilience in the U.S. Military. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4945176/ 

Montesanti, S., & Thurston, W. E. (2015). Mapping the role of structural and interpersonal violence in the lives of women: implications for public health interventions and policy. BMC Women’s Health, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-015-0256-4