Functionalism and conflict theory. Durkheim's Functionalism & Marx's Conflict Theory 2022-11-08

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Functionalism and conflict theory are two of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology, and they offer different explanations for the way society functions. These theories are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and many sociologists incorporate elements of both into their work. In this essay, we will explore the key concepts of functionalism and conflict theory and examine the ways in which these theories differ.

Functionalism is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the way that the various parts of society work together to maintain stability and continuity. According to functionalists, society is a complex system made up of various institutions and social structures, such as the economy, politics, education, and the family. These institutions and structures perform specific functions that contribute to the smooth functioning of society as a whole. For example, the economy provides the resources necessary for the survival and well-being of individuals, while the education system helps to transmit cultural values and prepare individuals for their roles in society.

One of the key principles of functionalism is the idea of social equilibrium, which refers to the balance and stability that exists within a society. According to functionalists, when all of the parts of society are functioning properly, the society will be in a state of equilibrium. If one part of the system is not functioning properly, it can create tension or conflict within the society. However, functionalists believe that society has mechanisms in place to restore equilibrium, such as social norms and values, which help to regulate behavior and prevent conflicts from escalating.

Conflict theory, on the other hand, focuses on the ways in which power and inequality shape society. According to conflict theorists, society is not a harmonious system, but rather is characterized by ongoing struggles for power and resources. Conflict theorists argue that the distribution of power and resources within a society is not equal, and that the dominant groups in society use their power to maintain their privileged position. This can take many forms, such as laws, policies, and cultural norms that benefit the dominant groups at the expense of marginalized groups.

Conflict theorists believe that social change is the result of conflicts and struggles between different groups in society. They argue that social change is not the result of a harmonious process of social evolution, but rather is the result of the efforts of marginalized groups to challenge and change the existing power dynamics. Conflict theorists also view social institutions, such as the economy and the government, as being tools that the dominant groups use to maintain their power and control over society.

In conclusion, functionalism and conflict theory are two major theoretical perspectives in sociology that offer different explanations for the way society functions. Functionalism emphasizes the way that the various parts of society work together to maintain stability and continuity, while conflict theory focuses on the ways in which power and inequality shape society. While these theories have some differences, they can also be complementary and can be used together to gain a more nuanced understanding of the complex social world.

Summary: Functionalism Vs Conflict Theory Difference Between

functionalism and conflict theory

How social order could be achieved in a complicated and dynamic society was one of his main concerns. According to them, for the society to grow increasingly advanced, in the technological, societal, and cultural senses of this word, it must be willing to undergo revolutionary changes on a continual basis. Third, both theories should be categorized as macro theories that consider the same object, society. However, they rarely take into account unjustified oppression and discrimination. Conversely, a theory that describes a perpetual conflict among various classes in society due to the unequal distribution of resources is called conflict theory.

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Difference Between Functionalism and Conflict Theory

functionalism and conflict theory

The functionalism theory argues that when one part of society is not functioning well, it influences all other parts and cause social problems in society. Functionalism shows us how our society stays balanced. For example, the job of a doctor is complex, the basis on which this complexity is derived is that medical training and education average 10 years. In contrast, the conflict perspective views society as composed of different groups and interest competing for power and resources. Accordingly, functionalism states that each aspect of society serves a function and are necessary for the survival of that society.

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FUNCTIONALISM, CONFLICT THEORY AND THE SYNTHESIS SYNDROME IN SOCIOLOGY on JSTOR

functionalism and conflict theory

There has always been a dispute about what really holds society together and for centuries people have been intrigued by the relationship between individuals and society. While the prevailing standard of living, as defined by economist Elizabeth Ellis Hoyt- is not material things consumed but instead are the sum-total, not of things, but of satisfaction attained The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020. It states that all the aspects of society are dependents, which serve a function in stabilizing society. The paper argues that the difference in these paradigms or theoretical foundations lies in their application in understanding the functioning of the society. Sociology has emerged to be of great importance because of its impact on individuals and the society.

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Sociology of Poverty: Functionalist and Conflict Perspectives

functionalism and conflict theory

The existence of stratification is based on occupation means that individuals will strive towards occupations that best suit them, as well as occupations that offer the most benefit to society, as it is these jobs that bring about the most rewards. Paradigms are philosophical and theoretical frameworks used within a discipline to formulate theories, generalizations, and the experiments Theoretical Frameworks Of Sociology And Sociological Perspective Essay interrelationships of individuals, group, organizations, cultures and societies. Conflict theory According to Andersen and Taylor 21 , conflict theory focuses on the role of coercion and power that gives individuals or groups the ability to influence and control others in producing social order. By providing studies which proved that societies could be stronger than ever imagined Durkheim was able to enlighten people to the fact that society is made up of many social groups and he could even pinpoint their behaviour and roles in any given society. However, this approach has been criticized for viewing active social change as undesirable as it appears that different parts of society naturally compensate for problems that arise. We have also seen how the ethics of some religious leaders have made their followers not to believe in the existence of coronavirus as the protestant ethics and the spirit of capitalism of Max Weber made us to understand how religious ethics paved ways for the rise of capitalism.

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Conflict and Functionalism Theories

functionalism and conflict theory

Hassan Idris is from Kogi state Nigeria, a writer, poet, essayist, a graduate of Sociology and Anthropology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria. According to them, dominant elites use it as an instrument of wealth distribution control while creating an illusion of perceived equality in some spheres. United Kingdom: Rowman and Little Field Press, 2010. Stating instead that social stratification does not benefit society as a whole but instead only a small section- the bourgeoise. Another key distinguishing factor is that the functionalist perspective makes the assumption that individuals who are highly skilled and trained will be able to gain high socio-economic rewards, and ultimately avoid poverty Barkan, 2018. The monumental growth of university enrollment and research after The gap between empirical research and theory persisted, in part because functionalist theory seemed divorced from the empirical research programs that defined mid-20th-century sociology.

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sociology

functionalism and conflict theory

With that said, this essay will examine the impact the Sociological theories, Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism regarding their impact on education. Whereas, conflict theory the society is viewed as a struggle between different classes due to inequality. Meaningful symbols are pertinent in understanding how humans act and interact. Functionalists believe that social inequality serves as a motivation for people to continue their development and attain higher statuses. These two different theoretical approaches explain the structure and the functional organization of a society.

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Difference Between Functionalism and Conflict Theory

functionalism and conflict theory

She advocates that if all these aspects work well, society will be more efficient and stable with high productivity. Sociology: Your Compass for a New World, the Brief Edition. Functionalism and Conflict theory use a macro approach in understanding the society. In other words, the functionalist approach emphasizes that social consensus holds the society together with the agreement of its members, and they should, therefore, work together to achieve what is best for the society as a whole. Approaches Cooperation Competition Focus Relationship between various parts of a society Competition for the resources and inequality among different classes Response to Social Changes Neglects social changes Does not neglect social changes Methodology Focus on how social parts contribute to a society Focus on how social parts conflict in a society Assumes Society benefits everyone Society contradicts everyone Function Defends existing social sequence Exaggerates tension and diversion in society Highlighting Does not highlight the parts of society Highlights the parts of society Balance Does not miss the census and balance Miss the census and balance Argued As A good thing A bad thing Suggested By Emil Durkheim Karl Marx Functionalism vs.

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Which is better functionalism or conflict theory?

functionalism and conflict theory

What are the weaknesses of affiliative conflict theory? Therefore, it is evident that the conflict theory was developed to critique the issue of societal structures and institutions as postulated in the theory of functionalism Harris 2-3. Ultimate control of everything is based on money, wealth and. Functionalist theories dwell on the structures and institutions in society. It refers to the social order preserved by domination. Symbolic Interactionism The interactionists spearheaded by Max Weber and others emphasized the interactions in the social world as the main catalyst of change encouraging social interactions. The concept that is inherent in the conflict theory is competition, where the theory seeks to bring out the aspects of pressure that are generated from the competition. Learn more Thus, the theory maintains the sharing of public resources that produce an orderly society.

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