FUNCTIONALISM AND CONFLICT THEORIES
Functionalism is a theory that seeks to define the structures that define the society and the manners in which the community maintains its stability. Functionalism is a unique lens that presents a community as a complex system that is comprised of various components or parts. The parts are designed to work towards a common objective, which is promoting stability and solidarity. In other words, every part of a society has a defined role. A problem experienced in a single component of society can disrupt the stability of the whole institution.
One good example of functionalism in society is the family unit. It is one of the primary parts that define a community. A family has the role of ensuring the continuity of the nation by enhancing the ethical procreation of the human race. A disruption in the family as a component of the society would result in the instability of the whole community. Other elements would prove to be irrelevant. For example, the government would have no role because there are no human subjects to be controlled. Another issue that results from problems in a family affects institutions such as religion, culture, education. The government would not have employees, not taxpayers, and therefore, the whole society collapses because of one component.
The conflict theory is a type of social lens that perceives social life as a form of competition. It defines the allocation of resources and power in a society. An aspect of the community that represents the conflict theory is violence and discrimination. The conflict theory establishes the existence of natural factors such as events of wars and revolutions that contribute to injustices and discrimination.
References
Turner, J. H. (2017). Functionalism. The Wiley‐Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Theory, 1-9.
Kimbrough, E. O., & Sheremeta, R. M. (2019). Theories of conflict and war. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 159, 384-387.