Explain how a social protest that was met with violent activity by police would be interpreted by both a structural functionalist and a conflict theorist.
What will be an ideal response?
1. A structural functionalist would view the protest as an important part of the way society operates.
2. For example, a structural functionalist might conclude that the protest, and the violence that ensued in response to it, function as an example of social norms, or how people should act in social life. If people protest (i.e., go against the norms), their actions will be met with negative sanctions from society (i.e., law enforcement) which serves as an example to others not to engage in this type of behavior.
3. A conflict theorist would view the protest as having emerged out of unequal treatment of a group/groups in society and as an important element in attempting to change the status quo.
4. For example, a conflict theorist might conclude that the protestors are rightly advocating for social change of conditions that they feel are unjust and unwarranted.
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