Difference between a Functionalists and Conflict Theorist
There are different perspectives of understanding society. The two major perspectives are functionalist and conflict theorist. A functionalist view holds that social institutions exist to satisfy social needs. A functionalist understand social institutions as a complex set of social norms, beliefs, values and Role relationship that arise in response to the need of society. Thus all the parts of society play a role in keeping stability and harmony in a society. Emile Durkheim is one of the well known Functionalists. A conflict theorist view holds that all individuals are not placed equally in society. All social institutions whether familial, religious, economic, political, legal or educational will operate in the interest of the dominant sections of the society be it class, tribe, caste or gender. The dominant section also ensures that the ruling class ideas becomes the ruling ideas of the society. Karl Marx is one of the well known Conflict Theorist. ON EDUCATION : ...