Functionalism At Walmart

Walmart has grown in size and stature since the sixties. The superstore is the nation’s most established franchises, with more than 3,600 stores countrywide and 4,750 worldwide. The company’s appeal to people of all classes, is rooted in the very fabric of American culture. While the business’ appeal may have been born of our society’s ideals, it maintains its position by pandering to us on both a macro and micro level.
From a structural functionalism standpoint, Walmart connects with and appeals to the consumer through advertisements. They use the media to draw in the consumer primarily with promises of sales and low prices. Ultimately, this succeeds, drawing in crowds of people. Special events such as Memorial day sales, and in severe cases

At a time when the economy is at its most fragile state, it is no wonder why franchises such as Walmart pull such huge crowds. For people with low earnings, this is a big advantage; they are able to buy the things which they need, or want, without sacrificing too much, allowing them to save their money for more important things such as rent, health care, or education. For students, who are working their way through college, saving is essential. Additionally, it is common to see large families at Walmart. Since large families, or people with many children, have a larger economic burden, it is not surprising that they may look for the bargain price. Sometimes, special conditions on sales such as “limit per customer” are a catalyst for this. This allows for them to stock up and provide for their family, while also saving for other things. Likewise, along with saving

Here, the individual consumer is considered. Not only does Walmart have to appeal to various groups of people, it has to do so in a way that will attract the maximum number of consumers possible. Our society, specifically in America places a great amount of value on low priced products. This is to say, we look for the best way to make the most of what we have. This is often expressed through looking for the bargain deal. As a society, we tend to attach meaning to material possessions as this relates to appearances. The more things you own, the more you are viewed as successful. At a certain economic level where consumers, are seen as the “have-nots”, we aim to emulate the lives of the “haves” by consuming at an arguably lower level, for a lower price. Walmart, and other brands like it, allows us to do just that. It is an endless cycle where as we consume, the gap