compare and contrast functionalist and conflict theories indicating vaues and merits?

Question

compare and contrast functionalist and conflict theories indicating the values and merits

Answer 1

I'm not going to do your homework, but I'll give you a few hints just in case you're really curious.

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Functionalism developed out of the work of the classical European sociologists, like Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, and American sociologists like Robert K. Merton and Talcott Parsons.

The theory is based on the harmonious functioning of the elements that make up society. For example, each institution has a primary function which is the consequence of its structure. Consequently, the theory has been called "structural functionalism."

The family is the legitimate institution for procreation; education is the source of socialization, and the economy is the structure that is established for the distribution of goods and services. These all work together to create an efficient society, according to functionalists.

Conflict theory developed out the philosophy of Georg Hegel and the social application of Karl Marx. These theorists see a basic tension between individuals and social structures, which are controlled by a "power elite," to quote C. Wright Mills.

However, many modern conflict theorists, like Randall Collins, are not "socialists" or "communists." They simply think that the oppression of the poor, the existence of discrimination, and the gap between social classes are symptoms of an unequal distribution of power.

So, very briefly, you could say that functionalists see the harmony of society, while conflict theorists see the strife. Just be careful not to think of them as polar extremes in an "ideal type" model. They're not. There are many overlapping and intertwined concepts shared by theorists from both schools.

Answer 2

Functionalism
"Functionalism attempts to understand how all parts of a society (e.g., institutions such as family, education, economy, and the polity or state) fit togeter to form a smoothly running social system. According to this theoretical paradgm, parts of society tend to complement each other to create social stability.(p. 9)"

Conflict Theories
"...did not see social systems as functional or benign....described industrial scieties as systems of opression in which one group, the dominant social class, uses its control of economic resources to oppress the working class. The economic resources of those in control are obtained through profits gained from eploiting labor of subordinate roups....predicted that the tension between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' would result in an underlying conflict between these two groups.(p. 9)"

Link refers to how where these concepts are noted in relation to gender Sample:

Gender is socially constructed because it is useful in many ways to certain people. Gender serves as a system of what some would argue is a [more] clearly defined organization tool, whereby each constructed gender group does its own portion of a set of tasks.

Conceptually, the groups compliment the works of the other group, ideally resulting in a functioning, productive society. (p. 9 *Text "Functionalism" ) "According to this theoretical paradigm, parts of a society tend to compliment each other to create social stability."

However, the terms "productive" and "stable" must be examined carefully; in a society where gender also serves to oppress the majority of the population, both are subjective terms and open to wide interpretation. (Even the group holding the most power is subject to standards of conformity.)

Page 8 of the Book points out, that if we were to look at gender as a social institution , it would be revealed as a "basis for inequality in society because it is through gender that resources, power, and privilege are [unequally] distributed." (Judith Lorber, 1994, 2001) A prime example of these unequal exchanges of power between gendered groups is the construction of hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity. (Quotes taken from articles included in same book as functionalist and conflict quotes)

Answer 3

This sounds like a homework assignment. Do your own research!!