Functionalism and Conflict Theory: Unveiling Sociological Paradigms

Introduction

Language is an absolutely fundamental essential for communicating. However, language can also be recurrently disconcerting every so often. Humans understand a common exchange of words, most definitely, but most of the time it may be a bit disorienting when the terms are not fully understood. Words may be exchanged between speaker and listener but if the terms aren’t fully known by both parties misunderstandings are bound to happen between the two. If two people have a different definition of feminism then their interpretation may differ from the other. For instance, let’s say Person A views feminism as women trying to outwit men and promote superiority, and Person B views feminism as women trying to make the rights of males and females equal. If these two people were to have a conversation about this topic, there could most definitely be a complicated discussion amidst the two. Of course, in this case, it is Person A who is in the wrong considering the literal definition of the word feminism; but because Person B was well informed of the word, he was much more educated than Person A in regards to the topic. In the context of a functionalism and conflict theory, such disparities in understanding and interpretation can significantly impact the discourse surrounding sociological paradigms.

Nonetheless, Person B was adamant to his definition because of what he has seen and witnessed in the media about the extremists that simultaneously use this word that the same activists do. Person B chose to believe to what he saw when the word was used then what the term actually meant. Despite his reasoning for misunderstanding, just like Person B, many other people will be as reluctant in regards to similar topics. Especially today in society when so many terms are thrown around easily and preventing activists from moving forward with their movements. Overusing the terms and throwing them around in conversations where they don’t apply are just two of the few examples of how these disputes can most definitely eradicate the movements. Just like the terms explained above, In Sociology, structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionalism are often confused for the reason of being paradigms. Paradigms are a set of structures used to simplify and explain things in sociology.

Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory

Structural functionalism is a theoretical paradigm that sees society as a complex system where parts function together to foster unity and stability. Conflict theories are concepts in sociology & social psychology that reflect a materialistic worldview, a dialectical theory of study, a pragmatic approach to current social structures and a radical political program or, at minimum, change. Symbolic interactionism is a theory of sociology that emerges of practical issues and refers to the specific use of language by people to produce images and natural consequences for inference and communication with one another. Functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism are three fundamentally different and prevalent sociological perspectives exchanging fundamental differences because of the methods where they assess social environment. Functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are, collectively, studying structures, of social inequality, and symbolic meanings.

Differences and Similarities of Conflict Theory and Functionalism

Despite the fact that all three sociological viewpoints help perceive society, each has specific similarities and differences. Both functionalism and conflict theory are, practically, macro-sociological concepts that clearly explain the broader elements of society, like those of institutions. Nevertheless, functionalism, on the other hand, claims that institutions automatically change to bring about peace, while the theory of conflict states that institutions, like religion, are often used by capitalists to control many. This disparity is also distinguished from the encouragement of individuals to believe in similar meanings and signs through symbolic interactionism. Likewise, symbolic interactionism shares a conceptual resemblance between dependency and functionalism, since functionalism & interactionism attribute the interconnectivity of society on institutions and attributed contact, accordingly. Interactionism, however, assigns circumstances to the senses of humans, while functionalists will highlight the general roles that played a part.

Conclusion

In closure, the total contribution of all three concepts of sociology are significant. Functionalism recognizes roles that exist for the sustainability of society. The theory of conflicts divides many citizens into two groups which promote disparity. And Symbolic interactionism focuses on people assigning, exchanging and deciding on symbolic meanings and body language. The interpretation, description and evaluation methods of the theories illustrate its differences and similarities in conclusion.

Works Cited

1. Giddens, Anthony. 'Functionalism.' In Introduction to Sociology. W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.

2. Marx, Karl, and Friedrich Engels. 'Manifesto of the Communist Party.' Marxists Internet Archive, 1848.

3. Blumer, Herbert. 'Society as Symbolic Interaction.' In Human Behavior and Social Process: An Interactionist Approach, 180-206. Routledge, 2019.

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4. Macionis, John J., and Linda M. Gerber. 'Conflict Theory.' In Sociology, 7th Canadian Edition, 14-42. Pearson, 2015.