Discuss the differences and similarities between the structural-functionalist theoretical perspective and the conflict perspective.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Varies, but should include that structural-functionalism focuses on social structures and their functions. Structural-functionalist theorists start out with a positive view of social structures and believe that current social structures exist because they are necessary and desirable. This gives them a conservative view-if it exists, it must need to exist to perform specific functions. Figures include classical theorist Émile Durkheim and contemporary theorist Robert Merton. Book example given describes national borders and passport controls from a structural-functionalist perspective as a necessary function. The theory later also included dysfunctions, where the consequences may be negative. Merton also added the concepts of manifest (conscious and purposeful) functions and latent (unintended positive) functions. Unintended consequences may also result that are either positive or negative. By contrast conflict theory deriving from Marx is "an inversion" of structural functionalism. It focuses more on the negative than the positive. Society is held together not by the necessity of functions and consensus or agreement with social structures but by power relations and coercion-specifically, the power of some to determine the rules for all. Ralf Dahrendorf is used as a contemporary example of a conflict theorist. Interests are worked out between groups, often in a way that favors one group or class over the other.