Essay on Social Conflict Theories and Functionalism

Social Conflict Theories and Functionalism There are three main theories of sociology; functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism. This paper will focus on two of those theories, functionalism and conflict theory. The objective is to delineate the assumptions of two out of the three theoretical perspectives and apply these assumptions to an analysis of social stratification. How this will be accomplished will be by comparing and contrasting their assumptions and by analyzing the two theories affect on social stratification. Then I will state my opinion on which of the two better fits my personal sociological views. Functionalism is many peoples way to view the world sociologically. It states clearly that the†¦show more content†¦Whichever groups have the power is a central concern of this theory. These Marxist statements are the central arguments of all conflict theorists statements of truth. The second part of the conflict theorists assumptions is that the different parts of the social system as a wh ole are intertwined, not because of a shared value system, however, but because of the fact that one group is inherently dominant over the other. This dominance happens because one group, the dominant group, controls the resources. The third part of the assumptions of the conflict theorist is that society does not necessarily have needs, but individuals and groups do. Because the dominant group has the access to wealth, power and prestige, they have the ability to have their needs defined as system needs. The fourth part of the conflict theorists assumptions is the basic question of Who benefits? from the social arrangements of the day. On any issue in society, there are people who benefit and people who dont benefit. This conflict always gives the advantage to the stronger party. The fifth part of the conflict theorists system of assumptions is the conflict itself, which lends tension, hostility, competitions, disagreement over goals, and values, as well as violence. Not always are these issues negative, however. They can act as an adhesive to help join groups together in the pursuit of a positive goal. The sixth and final part of theShow MoreRelated Analyzing Social Change Through Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Punctuated Equilibrium 1373 Words   |  6 PagesEinstein(58 Quotes). Social change is an opportunity for positive growth in today’s world, however it may sometimes take a tragedy to get there. Many big events in history such as The French Revolution and the Civil Rights Movement have caused social change, but our world is stronger because of those events. It takes leadership and a desire for growth to make a positive change in today’s society. Many philosophers have theorized social change through functionalism, conflict theory, and punctuated equilibriumRead MoreFunctionalism Vs. Conflict Theory1349 Words   |  6 PagesFunctionalism vs. Conflict Theory There are four known sociological theories and or theoretical perspective, and they are structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and feminism. These theories explain various aspects of social life through different perspective (OpenStax College 17). Some of the theories might view social life in a micro perspective, macro perspective or even both and each view might be completely opposing to each other, but it also has its pros and consRead MoreSociological Theories and Family Essay examples1662 Words   |  7 PagesSociological Theories and Family Sociological Theories and Family Sociological theories are important in understanding how the society operates. In addition, the theories help one understand how people in society relate with each other. 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There are three major theories that provide a lens to compare how and individual see their environment. â€Å"A theory is a set of ideas that attempts to explain the known facts of a subject in a way that makes sense† (Claerbaut, 2015). The three major theories are sociology are structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Structure functionalism â€Å"is a macro-level theory that views a society as a complete unit, in much the same way oneRead MoreConflict Theory Vs. Structural Functionalism978 Words   |  4 PagesConflict Theory vs. Structural Functionalism, this is like a fight between conservative and liberal. Structural Functionalism is a sociological theory that focuses on the structures of society and their functional significance (positive and negative consequences) for other structures (Ritzer, 2013). In another word, Structural Functionalism focuses on hierarchy, high position in the society. The theory is based on the belief that a person who held a high position like doctor or lawyer should get