Functionalism versus the Conflict Theory versus Symbolic Interactionism Show Functionalism, the conflict theory and symbolic interactionism are three distinct and common sociological perspectives that share differences and similarities due to the methods in which they evaluate society. Several sociologists, including Durkheim, Karl Marx and Max Weber, contributed to these extensive, diverse theories. Functionalism, the conflict theory and symbolic interactionism is the study of functions, social inequality and symbolic meanings, respectively. Theory Origin Many helped formulate and grow the functionalist, conflict and symbolic interactionism theories. Robert Merton and Emile Durkheim elaborated functionalism. The structural-functionalism perspective views society as a combination of institutions, or functions, to equate societal stability and harmony, which Durkheim theorized. Additionally, functionalists believe that these functions rely on each other, and when one function changes, the others do as well. For example, to restore equilibrium, a product’s price might drop and consequently increase productivity. Merton supported that functions can be of different types, such as dysfunctional or latent. On the other hand, only one man, Karl Marx, is popular for developing the conflict theory, a perspective that emphasizes inequality (Mustapha). Furthermore, he evaluated that the bourgeoisie (capitalists) execute widespread power by harboring numerous resources and manipulating individuals with institutions, such as religion. This leaves the proletariat (workers) with alienation, oppression and a potential motive to overthrow the capitalists and establish a classless society. Lastly, sociologists Max Weber and George Herbert Mead influenced symbolic interactionism, an idea that is stemmed from symbols. Moreover, this theory explains that individuals interact together and set meanings on symbols, which determine society’s behavior. For example, a military group saluting its general can symbolize respect and duty, which can further determine the group’s strict, obedient behavior. Compare & Contrast Even though all three sociological perspectives help view society, each one has individual differences and similarities between each other. Theoretically, both functionalism and the conflict theory are macro-sociological insights that widely comprehend society’s larger elements, such as institutions. Conversely, though, functionalism assumes that institutions automatically alter themselves to create stability, whereas the conflict theory notes that institutions, like religion, are used by the capitalists to manipulate others. Also, such an inequality is different from symbolic interactionism’s support of individuals’ believing in similar meanings and symbols. Despite this difference, both theories are evidently successful in grouping individuals together, by class or symbols. Similarly, symbolic interactionism shares a theoretical similarity of dependency with functionalism because functionalism and interactionism assign society’s interdependence on institutions and ascribed communication, respectively. Nevertheless, interactionism attributes situations to humans’ meanings, whereas functionalists would emphasize the general functions that played a role. Personal Opinion I appreciate functionalism the most and disapprove some aspects of the other theories. I believe that functionalism explains sociology the best among all three theories because it technically regards sociology as a natural science itself that is based on positivism. In addition, it explains sociology most widely, whereas the other two theories are more limited to individuals and socio-economic classes, respectively. Also, I believe the conflict theory is not well developed and symbolic interactionism, a micro-sociological study, cannot observe wider societal situations. Overall, all three theories gave influential contribution to sociology. Functionalism observes functions, which exist for social stability. The conflict theory garners most individuals into two classes that stimulate inequality. Symbolic interactionism concentrates on individuals who assign, share and agree on symbolic meanings and mannerisms. The theories’ techniques of observing, defining and analyzing society explain their differences and similarities. Works Cited Mustapha, Nasser. “Sociological Perspectives.” Sociology for Caribbean Students. Kingston, Jamaica: Ian Randle, 2009. 25-31. Print © Copyright Nikhil B. Punjabi The main difference between Functionalism and Conflict Theory is that Functionalism considers society as a system consisting of different sub-sections having their specific functions, whereas Conflict Theory considers the society due to social conflicts arising among different social classes due to inequality. Functionalism has a cooperative approach that focuses on the contribution of social parts is a society, which acts as a system. On the other
hand, conflict theory has a competitive approach that focuses on conflicts in society. Functionalism ignores the social changes, whereas conflict theory does not ignore the social changes triggered by class discrimination and unequal distribution of resources. Functionalism was discovered by Emil Durkheim. On the flip side, conflict theory was discovered by Karl Marx. Functionalism assumes that everyone is satisfied by working in society, whereas conflict theory believes that everyone is not satisfied with society’s performance. Functionalism protects existing social orders and sequences. Conversely, conflict theory highlights the tension and diversion occurring in society. Functionalism
considers society as a whole, whereas conflict theory considers society as parts. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism is debated as a good thing. On the contrary, conflict theory is debated as a bad thing. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism does not omit the census and equilibrium, whereas conflict theory interprets the negligence of census and equilibrium of the society. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism focuses on the relationship between different interrelated parts of society. On the flip side, conflict theory pays its concentration on the competition for resources and inequality among classes. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism views education as a positive aspect, whereas conflict theory views education in a negative perspective. Functionalismnoun(architecture) A doctrine, in several fields, that the function of something should be reflected in its design and the materials used in its construction Functionalismnoun(philosophy) The definition of mental states in terms of their causes and effects Functionalismnoun(social science) The idea that social and cultural cohesion are a function of the interdependence and interactions of the institutions of a society Functionalismnoun(psychology) A general school of thought that considers psychological phenomena in terms of their role in adaptation to the person's environment Functionalismnouna psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment Functionalismnounany doctrine that stresses utility or purpose Comparison Chart
Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryIn functionalism, society is taken as an entity consisting of different subdivisions, and each of the subdivision has its specific function. On the other hand, according to conflict theory, society is comprehended through the social conflicts emerging due to injustice. Functionalism views society as a system containing different parts, whereas conflict theory views society as a struggle between different classes due to discrimination and unfairness. Functionalism focuses on the importance of cooperation. On the flip side, conflict theory concentrates on the significance of competition. Functionalism is defined as a theory that describes all the aspects of a society that perform their functions and are essential for the survival and existence of society. Conversely, a theory that describes a perpetual conflict among various classes in society due to the unequal distribution of resources is called conflict theory. The pioneer or founder of the theory of functionalism is Emile Durkheim, whereas the pioneer or founder of conflict theory is Karl Marx. Functionalism sees society as interdependent, depending on every aspect of society to run smoothly. On the contrary, conflict theory does not believe in the innate goodness of society; instead, it considers the society as different groups who compete with one another for the resources. Functionalism describes the social and economic factors as positive aspects of a functioning society. On the flip side, conflict theory designates the social and economic features as the motives for misconduct and aberration. What is Functionalism?Functionalism, which is also characterized as structural-functional theory, labels the society as a structure with numerous interconnected segments indicated to fulfill the organic and social needs of the individuals residing in that society. Emile Durkheim suggested this theory to explain the changes in society over time and its survival. Functionalism highlights various parts of the society, including administration, instruction, government, law, family, healthcare, religion, conviction, and the budget, etc. that refer to the social organizations and are defined as arrangements or performances focused on achieving the social needs. The society can work efficiently if all the interrelated parts play their role in maintaining stability. Functionalism interprets that society is maintained by shared standards, languages, and symbols. It describes that social facts like laws, ethics, values, sacred beliefs, civilizations, fashion, and rites collectively serve in governing social life. Functionalism believes that everything that happens in society happens for good and serves to help in keeping society functioning. For example, homelessness helps to motivate the person to keep working hard, or committing a crime is a motivation to avoid the situations because getting caught will result in jail. Functionalism helps in maintaining our social principles and anticipations. Functionalism analyses the norms, customs, traditions, and institutions of society as a whole. It states that all the aspects of society are dependents, which serve a function in stabilizing society. Functionalism highlights inter-dependency among the variable fundamentals that eventually lead to the maintenance of society. What is Conflict Theory?Conflict theory describes the society not as a whole but in the form of parts produced as a result of the unequal distribution of resources. The conflict in society due to inequality and injustice faced by communities inside the unbalanced class system of the society refers to the importance of conflict theory. According to this theory, continuous tension is realized between the topmost class bourgeoisie and the working or lowest level class proletariat. The main focus of conflict theory is class conflict. It explains the class order in a society maintained by domination and power without consensus and conformity due to the limitation of resources. Conflict theory explains the working of society in parts as it disguises the mean nature of the wealthy to hold on their power by every means, mainly by suppressing the poor and powerless. It illustrates the pressures and uncertainties arising due to unequal distribution of assets like status and power among different assemblies in society, and these class discrepancies generate a social change in society. Conflict theory also describes the social issues, including social insurrections, social discernment, domestic violence, and gender disputes. Conflict theory does not believe in the distinctive goodness of society. It views society as groups competing with one another. Conflict theory uses a macro approach to highlight the competition among various classes in a society. It refers to the social order preserved by domination. Conflict theory possesses a more realistic approach as it provides the elite with more control and opportunities. Conclusion |
