Functionalist theory and conflict theory
SOC 436 Topic 4 Discussion Question 1
Compare and contrast functionalist theory and conflict theory in their approaches to understanding race-related issues in the United States.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Functionalist theory and conflict theory
Introduction
The functionalist view is the view that people are motivated by the desire to achieve goals and satisfy needs. This theory can be applied in a variety of situations, including marketing, education, politics and business.
The functionalist view
The functionalist view is that society is a system of interdependent parts. Each part has a function and contributes to the stability of the whole. The parts are not equal, and they have different roles within this system. They must work together as a whole to maintain stability and order in society.
For example, if you have a car, its wheels help it move forward; if you add two more wheels on top of those original ones, it would be harder for your car to move because there would be more weight resting on them (and make it harder for your car’s engine). This is similar with social structures: if one group tries to take over another group by force or violence (like Napoleon), then both groups will suffer from increased instability since their roles in society were changed by outsiders who came into town uninvited—and sometimes even fought each other over territory!
Conflict theory
Conflict theory is a sociological theory of society that states that social systems develop through conflict between groups. While conflict can be considered beneficial in some cases, it can also lead to war and violence. Conflict theorists view the role of conflict as being fundamental to social systems, arguing that it plays a significant part in shaping them and determining their characteristics.[1]
Conflict theory focuses on how groups compete with one another within society. It recognizes both intergroup (between different groups) and intragroup (within the same group) conflicts as factors affecting how people view themselves and their place in society.[2]
Differences Between Functionalism and Conflict Theory
Functionalism is a more conservative theory, while conflict theory is a more liberal one. In other words, functionalism focuses on the positive aspects of society and conflict focuses on its negative aspects.
Functionalists believe that society can be understood in terms of “the functions” it provides for its members (namely, those who are not members). These functions include things like education and health care; they also include legal systems, government institutions and so forth. Conflict theorists argue that people need to be able to protect their interests against those who might try to take them away from them—in other words: they need rights! Rights ensure that no one person has power over another person.
Takeaway:
The takeaway is a summary of the main points. It should be the last sentence in an article, and it should be a clear, concise statement that summarizes what you have learned from reading this article. The takeaway should be the most important point or points of your reading material; if there are other significant points that you could add as well, then feel free to do so!
Conclusion
Functionalism and conflict theory differ in many ways, but they both offer a way to understand how social structures are formed and maintained. Functionalists focus on how society works as an organism; conflict theorists see it as a web of interactions between people who share interests and goals. Both theories can help us understand different aspects of human behavior, including why people do what they do or don’t do something at all!
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