Evolutionism and Functionalism: Spencer and Sumner.

Chapter 3 of the book "Classical Sociological Theory" is presented. It explores the sociological theory of evolutionist Herbert Spencer and functionalist William Graham Sumner who both rejected religious explanations about the origins and structure of society, but likened it to a living organism that evolve and adopt its own function. It notes that the two theologists are ideologically status quo conservatives, both endorsed equalities of rights and opportunities.