Conflict Sociology and Ever-changing Nature - 2792 Words

Strucutral functionalism is a form of functional analysis. Functional analysis (or functionalism) is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. In fact, many of the early giants of sociology, such as Spencer, Comte, and Durkheim were functionalists. Essentially, this perspective sees society as comprised of many parts that contribute in unique ways to the operation of the whole society. The way I explain this to my class is to think of a clock. What makes a clock a clock? First, you have to have certain parts, such as hands, gears, springs, and a power source. But this is not enough. You have to put the parts together, of course. Still, however, you may not have a clock because you cannot put the parts together in any way†¦show more content†¦Subsequent thinkers have described different versions of conflict theory; a common theme is that different social groups have unequal power, though all groups struggle for the same limited resources. Conflict theory has been used to explain diverse human behavior, such as educational practices that either sustain or challenge the status quo, cultural customs regarding the elderly, and criminal behavior. http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/conflict-theory-49 Social conflict theory is a Marxist-based social theory which argues that individuals and groups (social classes) within society have differing amounts of material and non-material resources (the wealthy vs. the poor) and that the more powerful groups use their power in order to exploit groups with less power.[citation needed] The two methods by which this exploitation is done are through brute force usually done by police and the army and economics. Earlier social conflict theorists argue that money is the mechanism which creates social disorder. The theory further states that society is created from ongoing social conflict between various groups. There are other theories of deviance, the functionalist theory, the control theory and the strain theory. It also refers to various types of positive social interaction that may occur within social relationships. A homeless American.Show MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Human Actions, Decisions, Behavior, And Other External Elements Essay967 Words   |  4 Pagesinteractionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. Each played key roles in establishing the levels and focuses of analysis that are used in applying the three theoretical perspectives to the study of human actions, decisions, behavior, and other external elements, which can be explained not only by analyzing the individual scenario, but also by analyzing the context in which that individual is placed. Although all three theories are interconnected and important in sociology, the theory that is most usefulRead MoreSociological Theories Essay1185 Words   |  5 Pagesthat one theory can explain something that another cannot. My aim is to answer this question with reference to both functionalism and conflict theory. This will be done by comparing and contrasting both theories in relation to their perspectives on both suicide and gender di scrimination as social issues relevant to this day and age. Functionalism and conflict perspectives are both macro theories. This means that they focus on the big picture, for example social structure, social institutionsRead MoreSociology : A Sociological Perspective1053 Words   |  5 PagesSociology is the study of society and social lives and forces that influence people and shape the construction of society their lives. It also gives us an awareness of cultural difference that allows us to see the social world from many perspectives. (Sutton 2013). Sociology perspectives are overview of human behaviour and its connection to society as a whole. 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Du Bois (1968-1963) was a huge contributor to sociology through the eyes and experience of an African-American scholar (Vissing, 2011). Du Bois was an author, activist and student of Black sociology. In his 1897 article, Strivings of the Negro People†, Du Bois introduced the term â€Å"double-consciousness†, a concept I believe to be just as relevant in today’s African-American communitiesRead MoreThe Theory Of Social Change1396 Words   |  6 PagesIn sociology, social change is mentioned to be the variation identified by adjustments in rules of behavior, cultural symbols, value systems, or social organizations. All through the historical development of sociology, sociologists have used different models from other fields of research (Sharma, 2015).There are many different theories as to what makes up a social change. First you have the functionalist theory, which is mainly focused on what maintains a system, not what changes it. Also thereRead MoreDescribe the Functionalist (Emile Durkheim), Conflict (Marxist) and Interactionist approach to the Socialization of Education.877 Words   |  4 PagesDescribe the Functionalist, Conflict and Interactionist approach to the Socialization of Education. Education - A Functionalist Perspective Emile Durkheim proposed an explicitly functionalist explanation of the role of education in society. The major function/task of education was, according to Durkheim, the transmission of society s norms and values. Durkheim considered that all societies must have means of passing on their norms and values to the young. If they did not, they could not continueRead MoreSocial Stratification: Through the eyes of Tà ¶nnies and Park1638 Words   |  7 PagesIn any study of urban sociology one is bound to encounter few scholars that have contributed as greatly to our current understanding of the structure and evolution of society as have Ferdinand Tà ¶nnies and Robert Park. Both born in the late nineteenth century and living well into the first part of the 20th century, affording each an opportunity to experience radical industrial growth, political and economic upheaval, and the first great international war. Despite these similarities, each theoristRead MoreThe Conflict Perspective O n Class Struggles1038 Words   |  5 Pagesrelationship based on biology, marriage, or adoption. The conflict perspective refers to the inequalities that exist in all societies. The conflict perspective originated from out of Karl Max’s writings on class struggles. This perspective presents society in a different light than do the functionalist and symbolic interactionist perspectives. This perspective focuses on the negative, conflicted, and ever-changing nature of society. Conflict theorists challenge the status quo, unlike functionalistsRead MoreThe Most Important Features of a Social System1435 Words   |  6 PagesThe Most Important Features of a Social System A social system as a concept in sociological theory is one of great importance and indeed necessary. As a theoretical concept and component of theoretical explanation, it highlights the intricate nature of the society we live in. (Craib 1992) Talcott Parsons, a dominant functionalist theorist, focused much of his work on the concept of a social system. (Water 1994) Such a concept is indeed synonymous with his work. Whilst there is no universal sociological