Functionalism Vs Conflict Theory Essay

628 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Similarities between functionalism and conflict theory

Functionalism VS Conflict Theory
Frenchman, Emile Durkheim, would argue that functions are parts coming together to form a society and that inequality is needed in order for a society to function properly. Compared to Karl Marx, who believes that groups compete for social and economic resources. Therefore, functionalism focuses on how people come together meanwhile, conflict theory is when there is manipulation by superior groups.
Functionalism believes that for a society to run smoothly it must have functions. Stating that some jobs hold more importance than other jobs and that those jobs require more education than others. Also, that not everyone can have the skills to have an important job. Therefore implying that inequality is needed in …show more content…

One of the major differences is that functionalist believe that in order for a society to function it must have specific roles. Roles that bring the society together and that inequality is needed for the good of the society. Because without inequality everything would not flow the way it is now. So conflict theory believes that those who hold the most power rule over those with no power and that, that is not far nor needed for a society to function properly. Also conflict theory does not emphasize the importance of having more power over those who do not have any. Those with the least power should also be recognized for their tribute to the society. For example a garbage man does not get paid as much as a doctor and they both contribute to the society. The garbage man plays a large role in the society if no one was willing to do that job. The city would be filthy and unsanitized. There would be trash all over the street, making the city have a foul odor. But, also the doctors play an important role to society because they help people with their well being and to live a longer and healthier life. From a conflict theory’s perspective these two employees both deserve the same amount of respect and praise. They should not look at how much someone is getting paid or who got more

Show More
Related

  • Functionalism In The Shawshank Redemption

    1117 Words  | 3 Pages

    Functionalism is a theory in which various social institutions and processes in society serve a significant function in order for society to continue

    Read More

  • Health Issues, Sociological Theories and Classism

    745 Words  | 2 Pages

    Functionalist state they do not concentrate on conflict or division within society. However, Durkheim does mention society is together by certain parts of the social system sharing values. If any of the above fails to work together, functionalists explain this as a ‘loss of social solidarity, a lack of integration or a loss of equilibrium’ (Jones 2003 p.38) the key conc...

    Read More

  • The Three Paradigms In Society

    826 Words  | 2 Pages

    The functionalist paradigm focuses on the integration of society, and how society how its own groups which has their own functions to help improve the peoples lives. Functionalist paradigm fits in the category of macro-sociology, because it focuses on the patterns that shape an entire society. Functionalists believe that society is maintained through the thought of trust and consensus on moral values for ideal behavior. Working together will result in a stable social environment that will create equality. Conflicts or dysfunctions will be view as a disease in the social system. Social conflict paradigm believes that society is divided into many groups that have their own goals, and that certain parts of the world have the luck of benefiting economic dominan...

    Read More

  • Conflict Theory Homelessness

    976 Words  | 2 Pages

    The functionalism theory claims that society is a system of interconnected parts. This theory emphasizes the importance of stability and solidarity into society. The ideas from this theory try and identify the various parts or structures of society to see how they work and or function. With the functionalism theory, homelessness is considered a “must” for the society to operate. Every individual in society has a specific role. Homelessness is just looked at as nothing more but a social class which is needed. Most believe, that once someone is homeless, they will remain in that class for as long as he or she lives. If one ever does get the chance to move up in class, the change will be slow and gradual. The functional perspective is a perspective in which all different parts of society come together with the other social classes. This perspective is needed for society to go on. The conflict theorists view the society from a hierarchical point of view. In this perspective, individuals are subordinated to

    Read More

  • Three Sociological Perspectives

    1124 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are two people who where mainly involved in the development of the functionalist perspective, they are Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons. Durkheim contributed to the functionalist perspective when she was studying religion, and how it was responsible for people feeling solidarity and unity in groups. Parsons was a sociologist from Harvard University who was greatly influenced by Durkheim. In return, he influenced Sociology by dominating the field, with his functionalist views, for four decades (Schaefer & Lamm, 1998).

    Read More

  • Major Sociological Perspective Essay

    752 Words  | 2 Pages

    One of the major sociological perspectives is Functionalism. Functionalism is centered around the work of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, and Robert Merton. Functionalism is described as a system of connected parts that are designed to achieve

    Read More

  • Understanding Eating Disorders

    1178 Words  | 3 Pages

    ... image, causing eating disorders. The conflict theory is also a macrosociological perspective that suggests people are influenced by self and group interests. I think I agree most with the conflict theory because unlike the functionalist perspective, [as presented by M.D.]this theoretical approach suggests that actions are made based on a person or groups own interests rather than their values because we are a “fix it” type of society (62).

    Read More

  • A Comparison of Marxist and Functionalist Views on Society

    549 Words  | 2 Pages

    Functionalism is also called a consensus theory. Marxism and functionalism are similar in that they see that the way society is structured as an important part in determining the way people have relationships and behave between themselves. This is known as structural perspective. Both functionalists and Marxists believe that people are portrayed as creature within the social system. Functionalists believe that society operates to the benefit of everybody.

    Read More

  • Comparing Functionalism And Weberianism

    1534 Words  | 4 Pages

    Functionalism focuses on each aspect of society being independent and contributes to stability (Cliffsnotes, 2016.) It ignores the dysfunction of stratification such as poverty (Cliffsnotes, 2016.) Fails to recognize the negative impact of low income, education, mortality and life choices have on people’s life and what this can mean for people trapped in such life cycle (Cliffsnotes, 2016.) The main difference between functionalism and weberianism is functionalism believed that society was naturally heading towards equilibrium (check where this is from)Durkheim believed that there were two types of structures within society, (institutions and social facts), for society to maintain social equilibrium each structure must work together to create a balance (check where this is from .) For example, schools educate the children so they can get a job and put back into society, this relationship was termed ‘manifest functions’ (Brown, 2013.) Functionalism looks at society on a large scale (Moore et al, 2006.) Weberianism focuses more on individuals and how they hold the power to change their status within a competitive society. It describes how people can fight for economic gains; this is proved in history with the rise of the working class (Moore et al, 2006.) This idea later becomes the sociological theory we know as capitalism. Max Weber was interested in understanding the human behavior (Bartle, 2012.) He believed we should show empathy for individuals as understanding the meaning behind the way the individual behaves, is important when determining their place in society and the product of their behavior (Bartle,

    Read More

  • Conflict Theory On Bullying

    771 Words  | 2 Pages

    A structural functionalist would say that society is not working together and that the problem is that we all don’t share the same values and that the bullies who obviously are not socialized property should be removed from society and that would solve the problem. A social conflict theorist believes in nine things society is like a pyramid, The elite are at the top of the pyramid and the masses are at the bottom, those on the top of the pyramid hold all the power, Those with the power determine the values for society, the glue that holds society together is force, societal members learn the values of the powerful through the socialization process, society is always in a state of conflict, different people and groups will always be struggling to gain power, those with the economic and political power will shape society to their advantage. A social conflict theorist would say that this topic proves that society is always in a state of conflict because people don’t get along and that different people and groups will always be struggling to gain power because the different people are the masses which are at the

    Read More

  • Functionalism Essay

    1616 Words  | 4 Pages

    Sociologists view functionalism as both a macro and a micro perspective. From a macro perspective, functionalism promotes the ideal that everyone and everything has a particular place within society, which in turn influences the structure of society. A macro example of Functionalism is seen by sociologists through the interactions of a national school system. Primary school prepares children for the possibility of a higher education that will prepare them for a job, instilling the order and ideals of society within youths so that they understand its expectations. Afterward, they head off to secondary school to apply what they have learned and choose a profession that will best benefit them and society. This promotes the large-scale organization

    Read More

  • Functionalist Theory Essay

    565 Words  | 2 Pages

    Emile Durkheim’s Functionalist Theory is predicated on the ideologies that society is composed of components that are dependent on each other. Auguste Comte developed functionalism; Durkheim compared society to the human body. The body consists of different, interrelated organs that support it to survive; society consists of different workings that enable it to survive. There is a state of stability within society and if any component of that society alters it will reorganize itself to maintain stability. Functionalism will interpret the components of society in terms of contributions to the stability of the whole society. Social accord, direction and integration are paramount views of functionalism; society will endure and grow due to the shared norms and values; all individuals have a goal and vested interest to conformity and thus conflict is minimized (Pope, 1975).

    Read More

  • Inequality In The Workplace

    783 Words  | 2 Pages

    Functionalists and conflict theorists have contradictory views on inequalities. Functionalists have a positive outlook on inequalities, whereas the conflict theory believes that any type of inequality leads to a disruption in society.

    Read More

  • Social Conflict Theories and Functionalism

    900 Words  | 2 Pages

    .... Functionalism is much too conservative, and does not have a way to explain major changes in society. The conflict theory does not explain some of the more orderly and stable parts of society. They both make good points, and both have good arguments. I however, cannot endorse one over the other for the simple reason that they are both essentially wrong and right at the same time. A conflict theorist is correct in saying that money and power do give you special considerations, and conflicts are at the base of most social change, however, they are wrong in assuming that all social institutions are unstable. A functionalist is correct in saying that the society is made up of interdependent and interacting parts, but wrong in their conservative assumptions. A blend of the two would probably provide the greatest base for an argument and would probably be the most real.

    Read More

  • Critiques of Functionalism

    302 Words  | 1 Pages

    Ø In particular with Durkheim’s work, it is too optimistic and maintains the idea of social solidarity as the main theme, and simply believes pathologies can be solved through simple social reform, ignoring any problems or conflict and the affects. Ø Marxists argue that the modern family is organised to support and benefit the ruling class and the capitalist economy, rather than benefiting all of society. In particular, they accuse functionalists for ignoring the fact that power is not equally distributed in society. Some groups have more wealth and power than others and may be able to impose their norms and values as less powerful groups.

    Read More

More about Functionalism Vs Conflict Theory Essay

Open Document