Functionalist Approach in International Relations – UPSC PSIR & Sociology Optional 2025-26

In the case of UPSC Mains Political Science and International Relations (PSIR), knowledge about theoretical approaches such as Functionalism is necessary for conceptual clarity as well as answer writing. The Functionalist Approach to International Relations (IR) presents a positive picture of international cooperation, focusing on the importance of issue-specific cooperation at the expense of power politics. Having its origins in sociology and institutional theory, Functionalism has influenced the post-war international system and regional integration processes. It is particularly pertinent to subjects of GS Paper-II and PSIR Optional, where students have to evaluate global governance institutions, multilateralism, and peace-building strategies.

What Will You Learn from This Article?

❓What is the origin and core premise of the Functionalist theory?

❓How does Functionalism explain cooperation and peace among nations?

❓What is the Davis-Moore perspective on functionalist stratification?

❓How does Talcott Parsons’ theory contribute to the functionalist approach?

❓Who are the key thinkers associated with Functionalism and what are their contributions?

❓What are the major criticisms of the Functionalist theory and how to address them in UPSC answers?

Origin of Functionalism

The Functionalist theory in international relations inherited its shape during the early 20th century, especially during the inter-war and post-World War II periods. It emerged as a response to the failures of both idealism and realism, suggesting that cooperation between nations could begin through technical and economic domains, eventually leading to political integration.

Important Events During Its Origin:

• Functionalist theory earlier originated in the 1940s in the works of David Mitrany.
• Functionalist theory formed the idea that peace can be found through technical cooperation and not political treaties.
• The Functionalist view argued that conflict arises when political authorities dominate the functional needs.
• Believed that cooperation in one sector (like health, transport) can “spill over” into others.
• Emphasized the role of experts and non-political actors in creating effective governance.
• Laid the foundation for modern international organizations such as the EU and UN agencies.

Functionalism: Important Revision Points for UPSC Mains Optional & GS Paper-II

Here are some important points to remember that cover general key aspects of the Functionalist approach according to the PSIR optional (Political Science and International Relation) syllabus in UPSC CSE.

⭐Developed by David Mitrany in 1943 focusing on technical cooperation.

⭐“Ramification” or “spill-over” is a key concept – cooperation in one area leads to others.

⭐Neo-functionalism, developed later by Ernst Haas, includes political integration.

⭐Functionalism is optimistic about international institutions fostering peace.

⭐Contrasts with Realism by emphasizing collaboration over conflict.

⭐Advocates depoliticized issue handling through specialized international agencies.

⭐Neo-functionalists like Philippe Schmitter and Joseph Nye expanded scope to include interest groups and elites.

⭐Views sovereignty as flexible in the context of growing interdependence.

⭐Believes peace is sustainable through cooperation in functional sectors (like environment, trade).

⭐Criticized for underestimating the role of state interests and political power.

⭐Sees globalization as an opportunity for enhancing cooperation.

⭐Prominent application: European Union’s formation and institutional development.

⭐Opposes the view that peace is achievable only through military balance.

⭐Relates closely to liberal institutionalism in modern IR.

⭐Used to explain the rise of multilateral organizations like WHO, WTO, and IMF.

⭐Stresses problem-solving through shared interests rather than ideological unity.

⭐ emphasizes the cumulative effect of technical cooperation on broader integration.

Functionalist Approach to Peace and Order

Functionalism is concerned with international peace by placing emphasis on issue-oriented cooperation between states and institutions. Instead of political agreement or coercion, it encourages mechanisms for collaboration satisfying common needs.

Cooperation Through Technical Institutions

International peace is argued to be more accessible through technical institutions handling health, transport, and communication. Such agencies address real-life issues and establish mutual confidence.

Depoliticization of Conflict Zones

By taking contentious matters out of political spaces and subjecting them to impartial functional authorities, tensions between nations can be minimized, facilitating peaceful problem-solving.

Gradual Integration Through Spill-Over

Functionalist scholars believe that cooperation within a sphere naturally spurs other spheres. Coordination in health, for example, spills over into economic, environmental, and political cooperation.

Multilateralism Over Militarism

Functionalism favors multilateral approaches to engagements compared to military tactics. It favors the establishment of joint agencies for common issues, encouraging stability through non-violence.

Solving Global Issues as Peace Strategy

Global issues such as climate change, pandemics, and cyber threats necessarily require international cooperation. The Functionalist view claims that such type of international cooperation, transcending national boundaries, can lead to a path to long-lasting world peace.

Functionalist Theory of Stratification

The functionalist theory of stratification is basically rooted in the works of Talcott Parsons and the Davis-Moore thesis. It argues that social inequalities are inevitable and even beneficial. All societies require a system to allocate roles and responsibilities effectively. Stratification makes sure that the most qualified individuals occupy functionally significant positions and contribute to order and efficiency.

This theory believes that unequal rewards (like income, status) serve as motivation for individuals to strive for higher positions, ensuring optimal role performance and societal stability.

Davis-Moore Theory of Functionalism

Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore further extended Parsons’ ideas of the Functionalist Approach and proposed a reformed theory focusing on how stratification supports societal functioning.

Key Ideas:

• Societies must fill all roles for effective functioning.
• Not all positions are equally important; some are functionally superior.
• More important positions require special skills and training.
• Higher rewards incentivize people to prepare and compete for crucial roles.
• Stratification ensures performance, motivation, and stability.

Criticism of Davis-Moore Theory

• Measurement Issue: Critics like Tumin argued that there's no objective method to measure which positions are more important.
• Power Dynamics: Higher rewards often stem from power and privilege, not functional importance.
• Training Argument: Training is not always a sacrifice—benefits like knowledge and networking often outweigh costs.
• Inequality of Opportunity: Access to training and positions is often unequal due to social discrimination.
• Perpetuation of Elites: Stratification can lead to the dominance of elite classes and reduce merit-based mobility.

Talcott Parsons’ Approach to Functionalism

Talcott Parsons' approach to Functionalism showed society as a complex system, maintaining order through shared values. Talcott Parsons' maintained his focus on how social norms and value consensus can create stratification and which will in turn foster stability.

Key Ideas:

• Societies aim for stability through shared values and norms.
• Value consensus helps people conform to roles.
• Stratification results from common agreement on what is valuable.
• Higher status is awarded to those aligning with societal values.
• Inequalities are seen as legitimate and necessary for integration.

Prominent Thinkers Supporting Functionalist Approach

The functionalist school has seen many influential thinkers whose contributions shaped both sociology and international relations.

Relevant Information - Idealist Approach in International Politics

Criticism of the Functionalist Theory

While Functionalism provides a coherent framework, it has been critiqued from various theoretical standpoints.

Ignores Power and Conflict

Functionalism downplays the role of political power and conflict, both of which are central reasons for many global issues. Critics argue it provides an overly harmonious picture.

Over-Emphasis on Stability

It assumes that social order is always desirable, ignoring that inequalities can generate unrest and injustice.

Legitimizes Inequality

By suggesting stratification is necessary, it risks justifying systemic inequalities as functional or natural.

Lack of Empirical Evidence

There is limited empirical support for the idea that most rewarded roles are truly the most functionally important.

Underestimates State Sovereignty

In international relations, functionalism often undervalues the importance of state interests and sovereignty in shaping global outcomes.

UPSC Mains PYQs on Functionalist Approach

Here are some of the previous year questions in the UPSC Mains exam on topics related to the Functionalist approach.

Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) Optional

• "In what ways does the functionalist approach in International Relations help in maintaining peace and order in global politics?" (2023, PSIR Paper II)
• "Critically examine the functionalist approach to the study of International Relations." (2018, PSIR Paper II)
• "Explain the functionalist theory of International Relations. How far is it relevant in the contemporary world?" (2016, PSIR Paper II)

Sociology Optional

• "Critically analyse Parsons’ views on society as a social system." (2022, Sociology Paper I)
• "Analyse the relevance of ‘Pattern Variables’ in the study of social change." (2020, Sociology Paper I)
• "How can Parsons' AGIL framework be used to analyse key problems in a society? Discuss." (2018, Sociology Paper I)
• "Critically analyse Talcott Parsons’ conception of ‘Pattern Variables’." (2017, Sociology Paper I)
• "Describe the functional prerequisites of the social system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examine the context of a university as a social system." (2016, Sociology Paper I)

Important Books on Functionalist Approach (UPSC Mains Optional & GS Paper II)

Here is a list of most important Functionalism books that are relevant to the latest UPSC Mains syllabus and highly preferred by UPSC aspirants. This list is based on the latest UPSC Mains PSIR & Sociology and GS-II syllabus.

This is all about the last 10 years UPSC Question Papers with Answers PDF. We hope this guide will provide valuable information to the candidates and help them to enhance their preparation. Also, download the Testbook App from the Play Store to get more details and unlimited study materials for the UPSC exams.