Compare and Contrast and Two Sociological Theories This essay will compare and contrast and contrast two leading sociological theories: Marxism and Functionalism. Marxists predominantly believe that within society inequality and prejudice are rife, whereas Functionalists live under the impression that society operates in a state of social equilibrium wherein class and social status are necessities which we allow to transpire. This essay will explore the different viewpoints each theories take on subjects such as religion, community, family and education. Marxism is a conflict theory founded by German Philosopher and Sociologist Karl Marx in the 19th Century. It brings forth the idea that society is imbalanced and biased. …show more content…
Both Sociological theories take very different viewpoints on most general societal subjects such as family for instance. At its most basic platform Marxists see the stereotypical nuclear family as a tool for the ruling class. Early on Marx realized the ability to pass down property through generations was a brilliantly useful mechanism for controlling wealth and capital. Marxists see the family as a potential assembly line of workers: the head of the household being the proprietor and ‘CEO’ whilst the children are being prepared to receive their inheritance and maintain their family’s wealth and capital status. Functionalists, however, take a much more harmonious approach. They believe: ‘The family performs important tasks that contribute to society’s basic needs and helps perpetuate social order.’ (Anthony Giddens 2006 - Page 238) Functionalists believe a family’s paramount purpose is to raise and support their children within society. ‘According to the American sociologist Talcott Parsons, the family’s two main functions are primary socialization and personality stabilization. Primary socialization is the process by which children lean the cultural norms of the society into which they are born. Because this happens during the early years of childhood, the family is the most important arena for the development of the human personality. Personality stabilization refers to
Talcott Parsons (1965) was a functionalist sociologist who attempted to trace the historical development of the family and explain why the nuclear family had become so dominant. Parsons argued that there are two basic irreducible functions of the family. These are Primary socialisation and the stabilisation of the adult personalities, Primary socialisation is the process through which the children are taught and learn to accept the norms and values of society. Primary socialisation is important as it teaches us how to relate to others, language and customs and it is the foundation upon which all later learning rests. Secondly, the stabilisation of the adult personalities is all about the family giving the adult offspring emotional support necessary
Marxism is a theory that analyses social hierarchy and class struggle though the proletariats (lower class) and the
Marxism (1895–1900) is the economic and political theory and practice originated by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that holds that actions and human institutions are economically determined, that the class struggle is the basic agency of historical change, and that capitalism will ultimately be superseded by communism. They include the notion of economic determinism that political and social structures are determined by the economic conditions of people. Marxism calls for a classless society where all means of production are commonly owned, a system to be reached as an inevitable result
Marxism is a macro/structural approach to society, meaning that it looks at the large-scale societal structure for answers about how society works and operates and explores crime and deviance in relation to classes within a capitalist society. Marxists claim that laws do not reflect a value consensus, instead laws and law enforcement benefits the rich (protection of private property), and discriminate the poor which brings about social class reproduction, the working class are criminalised for their crimes but the criminal just system are more lenient towards the crimes of the wealth such as white collar crime or
Marxism is a literary theory that was developed by Karl Marx and his colleague Friedrich Engels. According to Karl Marx, human history is made of physical things as well as a variety of struggles between social classes: the lower class (oppressed) and the middle class (oppressing). There are two most common and important key terms used in the Marxist theory: bourgeoisie, which often refers to the middle class; those who own business or have a better life and proletariat, which refers to lower or working class; those who have to work for others in
Sociology is the study of society. Through the centuries, sociologists have tried to provide an explanation as to why and how humans interact with each other on a social basis. Sociologists have divided sociology into two levels, microsociology and macrosociology (Sociology). The level of microsociology studies is on a smaller perspective, as macrosociology is the study of society on a larger analysis. Today, sociology has three major theories: symbolic interactionism, functionalism and conflict.
Marx believed all historical societies contain basic contradictions: the exploitation of one social group by another. Perhaps in a way, Marxism is perhaps a little more
Marxist theory focuses on ideology, class, economic systems, and power (Martin, 2017). This theory portrays those who are empowered versus those who are disempowered; the empowered have more money and material possessions than the disempowered (Sellnow, 2010). The selfish Capitol holds hegemony, or the influence and control over a group of people, and this is the central conflict. The dominant class legitimizes ideas and beliefs (Martin, 2017).
There are two sociological theories that are known to share and differentiate on certain perspectives. Conflict and functionalist are those following theories. Conflict theory also known as the Marxist theory consist of social inequality, dominant or elite groups, bourgeoisie, and subordinate groups. Conflict is also a perception towards sociology that accentuate the social, political, and disparity of a group. Functionalism contracts with social order functions, dysfunctions, social institutions, shared values, norms and social disorganization.
The three primary theories of Sociology are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. These theories have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to explaining society and individuals as a part of society. Symbolic interactionism focuses on people’s perceptions and ideas on a case by case basis. It elaborates symbols and the methodology with which they are interpreted by societies. Functional analysis broadly paints society as a system with working parts. It promotes the concept of human solidarity and independence as well as interdependence. Conflict theory dives right into the problems that arise in a society and is bent on correcting them. It paints a picture of inequity and disparity among societies that no other perspective dares to match. Each offers a distinct lens with which to view society. Sociology as a science has the ability to advance human knowledge. Additionally, it can be used to address societal problems. It is my intent to prove functionalism is the best tool for the advancement of
In a Functionalist perspective, “Family is universal and is functional for many areas of society, including raising children responsibility, providing economic and other practical support, and offering emotional security (Nicole, 2015c, p. 1).” Nevertheless, ever since my parents’ divorce, this functionalistic perspective on family appears to be distorted to me. My household no longer consists of four members but rather three, my mother, brother, and me. My father left and the responsibility to raise my brother and me is heavily and solely placed on my mother’s frail shoulders. Traditional functionalists would frown upon the fact that my father is no longer the breadwinner of the family but rather my mother is and how she is not a typical, stay-at-home mother (Henslin, 2014).
Marxism is a political idea that was presented by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848 in their book, Communist Manifesto. This book influenced the communist movement that many Russians agreed with.
Marxism was introduced by Karl Marx (1818 – 1883). Marx believed that society was divided into two classes, the Bourgeoisie which is the ruling class and the Proletariats which is the lower and working class (Burton, 2013). He believed that the bourgeoisie exploited and abused the proletariat. The main difference between these two groups is the ownership and control of production. This then causes conflict between the two classes.
the proletariat until the establishment of a classless society. The author of the novel William
The Marxist theory is the political and economic theories originated by German theorists: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Marx was born in Germany in 1818 and studied philosophy and law. He was among many the most important authors of sociology and was best known as the “father of Marxism” (McIntyre, 21). Along with Friedrich Engels, he wrote and published The Communist Manifesto. This document helped shape the revolutions that reconstructed much of the world with over the course of the next century.