Functionalism and Conflict Theory, Research Paper Example

The conformist astuteness according to a sociology perspective addresses two critical approaches in the understanding of issues of inequality. Sociologists in this regard apply the functional and the conflict theory. Functionalism is regarded as a weaker counterpart to a more sturdy conflict elucidation of the reasons behind the existence of inequality in the society as well as the allied consequences. According to the functionalists, the metaphor that the entire society comprises of living systems, the same way that human beings are made up of several parts such as the heart, the brain, the stomach, among others, is an outstanding concept. The different parts in this regard work towards a common goal towards the existence of an individual. Equally, the society is a composite of numerous cooperative components that facilitate its survival. The functional analysts accounts for details of particular interactions among the independent components as well as the general working of independent components as whole for the purpose of maintaining itself. This interaction is perceived to be a source of good purpose in some institutions (Harris, 2).

On consideration of ubiquity associated with social deviance by the functionalists, the constructive role associated with inappropriate behavior responsible for the maintenance of health in societies come in to play. Through prompting of outrage from others, deviants contribute significantly in reinforcing as well as clarifying the social norms that reinforces the group’s sense of belonging to the entire community.

On the contrary to the functionalists approach, the conflict theory applies the allegory that society is war. From the viewpoint of the conflict theory, the social sphere is figuratively perceived as a battlefield whereby a struggle is evident involving competing social functions to gain the control of resources that are otherwise considered as scarce that include power and wealth among others. While the functionalists acknowledge diverse functional components of an entire whole, the basic premise among the conflicts involve contending interests among groups, struggle as well as exploitation (Harris, 4). Achievers in the conflict approach are determined by race, gender as well as class rather than an unconscious functioning of a social system that work in harmony. The divergent metaphor associated with conflict theorists dispute the formulation associated with Davis and Moore. Inequality in wages is a factor of the domination of workers by the elites and not merely attributed to their training, functional importance and talent. Additionally, the conflict theorists associate the higher earning among some individuals to their race and gender. In the recent past, the conflict theory has played a pivotal role in explaining the sociological perspective of existence of inequality among the community. The inequalities associated with class, gender as well as race is in most occasions analyzed as being unfair, unnecessary as well as exploitive association among the adversary groups in the community.

A dramatic opposition is apparent between the conflict theory and the functionalist approach to inequality. While the functionalist approach relies on cooperative interdependence as the guiding premise in the functioning of the society, the conflict theory advocates for a heated battle among independent parts that make up the society. The divergent perspectives have divergent basic assumptions leading to divergent conclusions. However, although the two approaches are fundamentally contending, there are some common arguments among the two. The existence of inequality in the society is a reality and it is a prerogative of the two theorists to explain, point ot and define this inequality in the society (Harris, 7).

Works cited

Harris, Scott R. Critiquing and Expanding the Sociology Of Inequality: Comparing Functionalist, Conflict and Interactionist Perspectives