Structural Functionalism Vs Conflict Theory

Both functionalism and conflict theory are macro theories which effort to explain how societies work. Functionalism proposes that each individual contributes to the lodge's overall performance and stability. In comparing, disharmonize theory suggests that due to the competition for resources, the society is in a land of perpetual conflict. The post-obit discussions further delve into their distinctions.

What is Functionalism?

Functionalism, or the functionalist perspective, is i of sociology's major theoretical perspectives; it proposes that each individual contributes to the society's overall performance and stability (Crossman, 2020). It focuses on the macro-level since information technology views society as more the sum of its parts. The lodge as composed of interdependent components which exist to fulfill vital roles. Hence, if one unit or institution malfunctions, the whole club is afflicted. For instance, the family, which is the smallest unit of measurement of the society, functions to rear police-abiding citizens who tin also work for other institutions such as didactics, healthcare, and economy. The family is also expected to pay taxes which are financing the government's projects for the guild. If families malfunction, the whole society'due south stability and productivity will be affected. In line with this, functionalism is described as a structural consensus theory. This ways that there is a social structure which fundamentally influences the members of the club; and that a stable social structure defines a successful club. Besides, value consensus, as evidenced by the people's agreement of norms and values, is essential in fostering cooperation towards progress.

Two of the key functionalist thinkers are Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, and Talcott Parsons, an American sociologist (Thompson, 2016). Durkheim proposed that the social club shapes the individual and social solidarity is essential. The people are heavily influenced by the mores, laws, beliefs, community, language, and other cultural elements. Besides, individuals need to feel that they are a function of something bigger than themselves to create a sense of solidarity. In addition, Durkheim suggested that likewise much liberty, characterized past unclear morals, leads to anomie, a state of confusion. Regarding Parsons, he viewed society as a human body; he had an organic analogy. Just like body parts, institutions have their functions and boundaries. Furthermore, Parsons emphasized that value consensus is the footing for a society'due south order.

What is Conflict Theory?

Disharmonize theory suggests that due to the contest for resources, the society is in a country of perpetual conflict. This was get-go proposed by Karl Marx, a High german philosopher and sociologist. He specified the conflict between the people who accept a majority of the resources and the poor or working class who are the majority of the people who only have a minority of the resource.

The post-obit are the 4 principal assumptions of conflict theory (Chappelow, 2020):

Contest

Members of the society constantly compete for both tangible and intangible resources. Rather than cooperation, competition is the default status of human interactions.

Revolution

Due to the conflict betwixt social classes, revolutions ascend. This paves way for radical changes instead of gradual evolutions.

Structural Inequality

Inequalities of power is inherent in the structure of societies and human relationships. This is characterized by the enjoyment of more power and resource of the privileged classes. Hence, the members of the upper grade tend to work to maintain such structure.

State of war

Wars can either cleanse or unite societies; they tin eliminate boundaries or eliminate a society altogether.

Difference betwixt Functionalism and Conflict Theory

Proposition/Definition

Functionalism proposes that each individual contributes to the club's overall functioning and stability. In comparison, disharmonize theory suggests that due to the contest for resource, the society is in a state of perpetual conflict.

Key Proponents and Their Ideas

2 of the cardinal functionalist thinkers are Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons. Durkheim proposed that the gild shapes the individual and social solidarity is essential while Parsons viewed society equally a human body with his organic analogy. On the other hand, conflict theory was first proposed past Karl Marx who specified the conflict between the people who have a majority of the resources and the poor or working form, the majority of the people, who but have a minority of the resource.

Primary Assumptions

The primary assumptions of functionalism include: social stability, socialization, and social integration are fundamental in achieving a strong lodge; and social institutions have significant functions in preserving social stability. As for disharmonize theory, its chief functions include: individuals constantly compete; conflicts atomic number 82 to revolutions; inequality is inherent in social structures; and wars can either unite or cleanse societies.

Social Modify

For functionalists, deadening social alter is preferred since rapid changes threaten social guild. On the other hand, conflict theory sees radical alter as central in actualizing an egalitarian lodge.

Functionalism vs Conflict Theory

Summary

Functionalism and conflict theory are macro theories which try to explain how societies work.
Functionalism proposes that each private contributes to the lodge'south overall performance and stability while conflict theory suggests that the order is in a state of perpetual disharmonize.
Two of the cardinal functionalist thinkers are Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons while conflict theory was first proposed by Karl Marx.
For functionalists, slow social alter is preferred for stability while conflict theory sees radical change every bit fundamental in actualizing an egalitarian society.

Author
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Jean Dark-brown is a Registered Psychologist, licensed professional person teacher, and a freelance academic and creative author. She has been teaching social science courses both in the undergrad and graduate levels. Jean has also been a research adviser and panel member in a number of psychology and special didactics newspaper presentations. Her certifications include TESOL (Tampa, Florida), Psychiatric Ward Practicum Certification, and Marking of Diploma Courses.

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APA 7
Brown, g. (2021, September 17). Difference Between Functionalism and Disharmonize Theory. Deviation Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.cyberspace/miscellaneous/difference-betwixt-functionalism-and-conflict-theory/.
MLA 8
Brownish, factor. "Difference Betwixt Functionalism and Conflict Theory." Departure Between Similar Terms and Objects, 17 September, 2021, http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/departure-between-functionalism-and-conflict-theory/.