The main difference between functionalism and conflict theory is that functionalism says that every aspect of a society fulfills a function and is necessary for the survival of that society, while conflict theory says that a society changes due to limitation and the unequal distribution of resources.
Sociology is an interdisciplinary discipline of the social sciences that examines and analyzes the concept of society and human behavior. Accordingly, functionalism and conflict theory are two fundamental approaches in sociology. These two different theories or approaches analyze how the concept of society emerges and how it works. Hence, these two show two different approaches to understanding what society is like.
Key areas covered
1. What is functionalism - definition, theory 2. What is conflict theory - definition, theory 3. What is the similarity between functionalism and conflict theory - outline of the similarities 4. What is the difference between functionalism and conflict theory - key comparison differences
key terms
Conflict theory, functionalism, society, sociology, social science, structural functionalism
What is functionalism
Functionalism (also known as structural functionalism ) is the theory that says that all aspects of a society are dependent on and perform a function. So they are necessary for the survival of this society. From the functionalist perspective, every aspect of society is interdependent and contributes to the stability and functioning of society as a whole. In addition, functionalism is a perspective created by Emile Durkheim.
Thus, functionalism shows that every aspect of society, whether defined as good or bad, is essential to the survival of society. Therefore, all of these aspects contribute to keeping society stable and maintaining its social order.
For example, the government provides chemicals and fertilizers to farmers and they can be successful in agriculture and contribute to the overall economic development of society by providing healthy food to people and also paying taxes to the government to continue this process. Likewise, farmers can support their families with the income they receive. Hence, farmers are dependent on the state for fertilizers and other agricultural support; the government also depends on the farmers for healthy food
Thus, functionalism underlines that it is the interdependence between these different functions or elements that ultimately lead to a more successful maintenance of society.
Figure 1: Functionalism or Structural Functionalism
Furthermore, functionalism does not emphasize that these aspects must always be "good" or worthy of the stability of society. She advocates that if all these aspects work well, society will be more efficient and stable with high productivity. However, when these aspects do not work well, several parts or elements of society should adapt to recapture the new order, survive, and turn it into productivity.
For example, consider the example above. Apart from weather problems, the manure aids provided by the government are not producing optimal results either. Hence, it will lead to direct instability in human food production. However, to overcome this condition it is necessary to adapt to recapture the loss. So the government can either import food and impose more taxes on the people.
According to functionalism, a disturbance in one aspect affects the other aspects as a whole and ultimately affects the equilibrium of society as a whole. To overcome this, people should adjust to new ways. In other words, the functionalist approach emphasizes that social consensus holds society together with the consent of its members and therefore they should work together to achieve the best for society as a whole.
However, this approach has been criticized for viewing active social change as undesirable as it appears that different parts of society naturally compensate for problems that arise. Therefore, it does not encourage people to actively work for social change.
What is Conflict Theory?
The conflict theory approach is primarily about the ongoing class conflict in society due to the unequal distribution of resources. The pioneering personality of this theory is Karl Marx, who highlighted the causes and consequences of the class struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
According to him, there is an ongoing conflict in society due to the injustices faced by communities within this unequal class system in a society. Hence, there is an ongoing conflict between the upper-tier bourgeoisie, which controls the economy, and the working class or the proletariat class. In this way, this unequal distribution of resources within conflict theory is maintained through ideological coercion, in which the bourgeoisie would force the proletariat to accept the current conditions.
Figure 2: Karl Marx
Hence, conflict theory mainly focuses on this class conflict. It shows that the limitation of resources creates this class order in a society and that this order is maintained through dominance and power rather than consensus and conformity. Therefore, according to the conflict theory, the rich and powerful try to hold on to them by all means, especially by suppressing the poor and powerless. So society goes on.
Conflict theory therefore shows that tensions and conflicts arise when these resources, status and power are unevenly distributed between groups in society and these class conflicts also ultimately trigger social change in society.
In addition, this theory has been used to explain various social problems such as social revolutions, social discrimination, domestic violence, gender issues, etc.
Similarity between functionalism and conflict theory
- Both are theoretical approaches used in sociology to study the concept of society and how the elements within it function accordingly.
Difference Between Functionalism and Conflict Theory
definition
Functionalism is the theory that says that all aspects of a society have a function and are necessary for that society to survive. Conflict theory, on the other hand, is the theory that says that there is constant class conflict in society due to the unequal distribution of resources. The main difference between functionalism and conflict theory is self explanatory from this definition
Approach
The other big difference between functionalism and conflict theory is the approach. The approach used in functionalism is that all elements of society are interdependent and perform a function for the overall stability of society. On the contrary, conflict theory focuses on the concept of social inequality in the distribution of resources, and thus on the conflicts that exist between classes that will eventually trigger social change.
Pioneer personality
The pioneer of functionalism is Emile Durkheim, while the pioneer of conflict theory is Karl Marx.
diploma
Functionalism and conflict theory are two approaches in sociology. These two different theoretical approaches explain the structure and the functional organization of a society. Accordingly, functionalism says that every aspect of society serves a function and is necessary for the survival of that society. Conflict theory, on the other hand, shows that society is in constant class conflict due to the limitation and unequal distribution of resources. This inequality between social classes ultimately triggers social change in a society. This is the main difference between functionalism and conflict theory.
Reference:
1. “What is the functionalist perspective in sociology?” Sandra Cisnero's biography, available here .2. Crossman, Ashley. "Everything you need to know about functionalist theory." ThoughtCo, available here. 3. Crossman, Ashley. "What is Conflict Theory?" ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, June 2018, available here .
Image courtesy:
1. “General diagram of structure-functionalism” by Rcragun - Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia 2. “Karl Marx 001” By John Jabez Edwin Mayal - International Institute for Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia