QUESTION 1
Question 1 Differentiate between how functionalists and conflict theorists view the school. (10)
Functionalists claim that schools sort based upon merit; conflict theorists argue that schools sort along
distinct class and ethnic lines. According to conflict theorists, schools train those in the working classes
to accept their position as a lower‐class member of society
Both functionalism and conflict theory are macro theories which try to explain how societies work.
Functionalism proposes that each individual contributes to the society’s overall performance and
stability. In comparison, conflict theory suggests that due to the competition for resources, the society
is in a state of perpetual conflict. The following discussions further delve into their distinctions.
Functionalism, or the functionalist perspective, is one of sociology’s major theoretical perspectives; it
proposes that each individual contributes to the society’s overall performance and stability (Crossman,
2020). It focuses on the macro-level since it views society as more than the sum of its parts. The society
as composed of interdependent components which exist to fulfill vital roles. Hence, if one unit or
institution malfunctions, the whole society is affected. For instance, the family, which is the smallest
unit of the society, functions to rear law-abiding citizens who can also work for other institutions such
as education, healthcare, and economy. The family is also expected to pay taxes which are financing
the government’s projects for the society. If families malfunction, the whole society’s stability and
productivity will be affected. In line with this, functionalism is described as a structural consensus
theory. This means that there is a social structure which fundamentally influences the members of the
society; and that a stable social structure defines a successful society. Also, value consensus, as
evidenced by the people’s agreement of norms and values, is essential in fostering cooperation
towards progress. Business
Both functionalism and conflict theory are macro theories which try to explain how societies work.
Functionalism proposes that each individual contributes to the society’s overall performance and
stability. In comparison, conflict theory suggests that due to the competition for resources, the society
is in a state of perpetual conflict. The following discussions further delve into their distinctions.
Functionalism, or the functionalist perspective, is one of sociology’s major theoretical perspectives; it
proposes that each individual contributes to the society’s overall performance and stability (Crossman,
2020). It focuses on the macro-level since it views society as more than the sum of its parts. The society
as composed of interdependent components which exist to fulfill vital roles. Hence, if one unit or
institution malfunctions, the whole society is affected. For instance, the family, which is the smallest
unit of the society, functions to rear law-abiding citizens who can also work for other institutions such
as education, healthcare, and economy. The family is also expected to pay taxes which are financing
the government’s projects for the society. If families malfunction, the whole society’s stability and
productivity will be affected. In line with this, functionalism is described as a structural consensus
theory. This means that there is a social structure which fundamentally influences the members of the
society; and that a stable social structure defines a successful society. Also, value consensus, as
evidenced by the people’s agreement of norms and values, is essential in fostering cooperation
towards progress.
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