Functionalism vs. Conflict Theory: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 4, 2024
Functionalism views society as a complex system with parts working together harmoniously, whereas Conflict Theory sees society as composed of groups competing for resources.
Key Differences
Functionalism emphasizes the interdependence of society's components and their contribution to overall stability, while Conflict Theory focuses on the struggles between social groups for power and resources.
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Jan 04, 2024
Functionalism considers social institutions as necessary for maintaining order and equilibrium; in contrast, Conflict Theory views these institutions as means for dominant groups to maintain control.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
In Functionalism, change is seen as gradual and evolutionary, ensuring the smooth functioning of society, whereas Conflict Theory often sees change as the result of tension and conflict, leading to revolutionary shifts.
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Jan 04, 2024
Functionalism views social norms and values as collective agreements that benefit society, whereas Conflict Theory argues that these norms are imposed by powerful groups to maintain their dominance.
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Jan 04, 2024
Functionalism sees social problems as disruptions to the equilibrium that need correction, while Conflict Theory views them as inherent in a society divided by competing interests.
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Jan 04, 2024
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Comparison Chart
View of Society
A system with interdependent parts
A platform for competition and inequality
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Role of Institutions
Maintain social order and stability
Tools for dominance by powerful groups
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Social Norms
Collective agreements for social good
Imposed by dominant groups to maintain power
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Perspective on Social Problems
Disruptions to societal equilibrium
Inherent in competing group interests
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Functionalism and Conflict Theory Definitions
Functionalism
Believes in shared social values.
Functionalism views democracy as a collective societal agreement.
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Conflict Theory
Considers social problems as inherent in societal structure.
Conflict theory explains poverty as a systemic issue, not individual failure.
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Dec 18, 2023
Functionalism
Focuses on social institutions' role in maintaining order.
Functionalism views law enforcement as essential for social harmony.
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Dec 18, 2023
Conflict Theory
Believes major changes result from conflicts.
Conflict theory sees social movements as catalysts for change.
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Functionalism
Sees social change as gradual.
Functionalism explains gradual shifts in family structures over time.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Conflict Theory
Views norms as tools for dominance.
Conflict theory argues that education systems can perpetuate class differences.
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Functionalism
The doctrine that the function of an object should determine its design and materials.
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Dec 13, 2023
Conflict Theory
Sees social groups in constant competition.
Conflict theory views economic inequality as a result of class struggle.
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Dec 18, 2023
Conflict Theory
Focuses on the fight for power and resources.
Conflict theory interprets political policies as tools for maintaining power.
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Dec 18, 2023
Functionalism
(Philosophy) The doctrine in the philosophy of mind according to which mental states are defined by their causes and effects.
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Dec 13, 2023
Functionalism
(architecture) A doctrine, in several fields, that the function of something should be reflected in its design and the materials used in its construction.
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Dec 13, 2023
Functionalism
(philosophy) The definition of mental states in terms of their causes and effects.
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Dec 13, 2023
Functionalism
(social science) The idea that social and cultural cohesion are a function of the interdependence and interactions of the institutions of a society.
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Dec 13, 2023
Functionalism
(psychology) A general school of thought that considers psychological phenomena in terms of their role in adaptation to the person's environment.
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Dec 13, 2023
Functionalism
A psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment.
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Dec 13, 2023
Functionalism
A psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment
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Dec 13, 2023
Functionalism
Views society as parts working together.
Functionalism sees education as key to societal stability.
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Dec 18, 2023
Functionalism
Emphasizes how social elements depend on each other.
In functionalism, the economy and education system are interlinked.
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Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the role of social norms in Functionalism?
They are seen as collective agreements that benefit society.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
How does Conflict Theory view social institutions?
As mechanisms for powerful groups to maintain control and dominance.
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Jan 04, 2024
How does Conflict Theory explain social change?
Through conflict and struggle, often leading to significant shifts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Does Conflict Theory believe in inherent social inequality?
Yes, it views inequality as built into the fabric of society.
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Jan 04, 2024
How does Functionalism explain social change?
Functionalism tends to view social change as a gradual process, often emphasizing the need for societal adaptation to maintain equilibrium.
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Jan 04, 2024
How does Functionalism perceive social problems?
As disruptions to the social equilibrium that need correction.
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Jan 04, 2024
What is the main focus of Functionalism?
It focuses on how social structures contribute to societal stability.
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Jan 04, 2024
What does Functionalism say about social change?
It views change as gradual and necessary for social stability.
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Jan 04, 2024
What's the perspective of Conflict Theory on social problems?
That they are inherent in a society with competing group interests.
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Jan 04, 2024
What are some common criticisms of Functionalism?
Critics argue that Functionalism can be overly conservative, ignoring the negative aspects of social structures and underestimating the role of conflict and change.
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Jan 04, 2024
What are some common criticisms of Conflict Theory?
Critics argue that Conflict Theory can be overly deterministic and pessimistic, downplaying cooperation and the potential for positive change.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Is Functionalism a conservative perspective?
Functionalism is often criticized for its conservative view of maintaining the status quo and downplaying social conflict and inequality.
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Jan 04, 2024
Is Conflict Theory solely focused on negative aspects of society?
No, while Conflict Theory does emphasize social inequalities and conflict, it also provides insights into social change and the potential for positive transformations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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