Difference Between Functionalism And Conflict Theory

In Social Problems, Anna Leon-Guerrero (2016) she states, “… The functional perspective, examines the functions or consequences of the structure of society. Functionalist use a macro perspective, focusing on how society maintains social order” (13). Society has created expectations on what is viewed as acceptable or unacceptable behavior and this can include criminal behavior. This is any deviation from the social norms that are agreed by the majority of the community and the violation of any existing laws that is passed by legislation. For an example, a single parent losses’ his or her job and are worried whether the rent is covered with his or her last paycheck or whether they will qualify for food stamps.

Functionalism Functionalism emphasizes how social structures maintain or undermine social stability in macrostructures (Brym,

Conflict Theory American society today is made up of all three of the theories. In my opinion, these theories all thrive off each other as a whole. I feel that the chain is something like this, Symbolic Interactionism, as well as Functionalism, lead into Conflict Theory. However, I feel that Conflict Theory is by far the largest component American society is made from, here is why! First I would like to touch on Symbolic Interactionism, symbols we attach value or meaning.

Looking at society as a whole with individual units that work together to make society function efficiently is the structural functionalism concept. Each unit has a part and is describe as institutions such as family, religion, education, politics, economy and inequality. Because structural functionalism looks at social structure and patterns of behavior it is able to create values for society. As well as, distinguish between visible and suppressed problems within the social structures that may need to be addressed. For instance, homelessness is indication of dysfunction in structural functionalism system.

We look are homelessness and functionalism and  how on a macro leave how it affects homeless. We also look at the programs that available for people.        Explanations using sociology theory    The functionalist perspective, also called functionalism, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology.   Edward Durkheim, was the regional person who was greatly interested in seeing how social order is possible or how society remains relatively stable.

Structural-functionalism or functionalism, are groups of individuals who advocate, or work according to the principles of functionalism. The show however, portrays behavior that is clearly not functional and could be considered dysfunctional for society. But, there are examples of groups of people or individuals who work together for the well-being of the town. For instance, Quahogs news crew which consist of anchors and reporters work together the provide news for the town. The Quahog Police Department.

In order to determine the relevant distinction between Role Functionalism and Realizer Functionalism, one needs to derive a concise description of what the functionalism theory entails. Functionalism is a theory about the nature of mental states. It became prominent during the 1960s and widely accepted in relation to its views which deemed plausible for many other sciences. In the philosophy of mind, it is the components of “a mental state of a particular type” which “does not depend on its internal constitution, but rather on the way it functions, or the role it plays, in the system of which it is a part” (Levin 2013). Functionalism is a theory seen rooted in Aristotle’s work in ‘Conception of the Soul’, and also a forbearer in that of Hobbes

When is comes to both Functionalist and Conflicts I lean more towards the side of the Functionalist in all aspects of family, school and medical care. In our society we offer things like free education and medical care that every Canadian citizen has a right to, therefore the wealth of a person does not determine whether or not they receive this interest, everyone has a right to this. When it comes to the institution of Family, I believe that this serves to all members of society. People are joined together based on common interests and love for one another, the wealths and status of a person should not determine whether or not they choose to love one another. Though, if wealth and status was the sole reason why a person why a person choose

Functionalism can be defined as a psychological philosophy, which considers mental life and behavior with regards to active adaptation to the person’s environment. Therefore, it provides people with the general basis on which they can develop psychological theories that are not readable and testable through controlled experiments and applied psychology. The whole idea of functionalism first arose in the United States back in the 19th century. During that time, it was used as an alternative to structuralism (Zhong, 2008).

In other words, functionalists like Durkheim believed that for a society to survive, its various social processes must come together to meet the system’s needs. Functionalists implement Durkheim’s outlook of a unified social scheme with various elements having a function within

The conflict theory is a macro-level theory where theorists look at the unequal distribution of resources such as money, power, education, and social prestige. Those who are wealthier and more educated than others in the society hold more power over those who are not wealthy or as educated. Conflict theorists see this a lot in the educational system, where inequality is shown through the materials in the school, teachers in the classrooms, and topics being taught. This type of inequality leads to learning differences that emphasizes social inequalities. Macro-level sociology is looking at the bigger picture of the social process, such as stability and change throughout society.



Emile Durkheim developed a theory called functionalism, which explained how the individual and society were related and how society changed over time. According to functionalism, society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole. Durkheim believed that society should be analyzed and described in terms of functions. Society is a system of interrelated parts where no one part can function without the other. These parts make up the entirety of society and therefore, if one part changes, society is impacted.

Holly Kinsella 13528163 Q.2 Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim developed very different sociological theories of how society evolves over time. Marx brought around the conflict theory and became the head of the sociological discipline of Marxism. Durkheim was a French Functionalist, meaning he looked at society in a scientific way. Although Marx and Durkheim had different ways of thinking about society, both have contributed significantly to the way we study sociology today. Karl Marx was a German philosopher who became the head of the sociological discipline of Marxism.

Structural Functionalism is a sociological theory that tries to clarify why society functions the way it does by concentrating on the connection between the different social institutions that make up society (e.g., government, law, education, religion, etc.). In Animal Farm the first example of structural functionalism is when the boar thinks the ordinances of their society are ruled by the oppressor humans. The second example is when the traditional structure is arranged to keep the animals in captivity. Lastly, the third example is when the arrangement allows humans to always be on the receiving end.

“It’s his voice. I recognized it as soon as he came in here last night. The way he laughs. Certain phrases he uses.” said Paulina Salas. Isn’t it true that Paulina Salas has every right to take justice into her own hands and punish Robert Miranda for the horrendous crime of rape he has committed to several women in horrific fascist torture chambers?