conflict theory v structural functionalism

Wright Mills (1956) elaborated on some of Marx’s concepts, coining the phrase power elite to describe what he saw as the small group of powerful people who control much of a society. Marx believed that conflict between groups struggling to either attain wealth and power or keep the wealth and power they had was inevitable in a capitalist society, and conflict was the only way for the underprivileged to eventually gain some measure of equality.Ĭ. Philosopher and social scientist Karl Marx was a seminal force in developing the conflict theory perspective he viewed social structure, rather than individual personality characteristics, as the cause of many social problems, such as poverty and crime. Conflict TheoryĬonflict theory focuses on the social inequalities and power difference within a group, analyzing society through this lens.

This would be in opposition to a conflict theorist who would see this financial contribution as a way for the rich to perpetuate their own wealth. For instance, functionalists would see monetary political contributions as a way of keeping people connected to the democratic process. Dysfunction creates social problems that lead to social change. Functionalists seek consensus and order in society. Functionalists see active social change, such as the sit-in on Wall Street, as undesirable because it forces change and, as a result, undesirable things that might have to be compensated for. According to functionalism, all aspects of society serve a purpose.įunctionalists view government and politics as a way to enforce norms and regulate conflict. FunctionalismĪccording to functionalism, the government has four main purposes: planning and directing society, meeting social needs, maintaining law and order, and managing international relations. Functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are a few of the more widely recognized philosophical stances in practice today. The sociological examination of government and power can thus be evaluated using a variety of perspectives that help the evaluator gain a broader perspective. Each paradigm looks at the study of sociology through a unique lens. Sociologists rely on organizational frameworks or paradigms to make sense of their study of sociology already there are many widely recognized schemas for evaluating sociological data and observations. Differentiate the ways that functionalists, conflict theorists, and interactionists view government and politics.

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Conflict theory v structural functionalism