Almond’s Model: Structural Functionalism By Gabriel

Almond’s Model: Structural Functionalism

Basic Concepts Defined:
The universal systems theory proposed by David Easton, sometimes known as the Easton model, has previously been thoroughly examined. However, Easton isn't the first political scientist to be linked to this paradigm or concept. In fact, many political scientists are involved with general systems theory, including Gabriel Almond, who died in 2003 at the age of 91. Structural functionalism is the prevalent name for Almond's concept among political science students.

It's termed such since Almond articulated his points of view while considering the political system's structures. In reality, he has emphasised that every political system has certain structures that perform certain functions.

What exactly is structure? The term structure is employed in this context in a different way than it is in sociology. Institutions are structures. Institutions such as political parties, legislatures, executive branches, and courts exist in every political system. All of these, according to Almond, were previously known as institutions. However, he has altered the terminology.

Why did he switch the names? Easton's justification is that he wishes to embrace notions and categories that can be used to analyse political systems that are vastly different from one another. As a result, he wishes to use terminology that will allow him to compare and analyse all (or at least major) political systems.