Key Differences Between Conflict Theory and Functionalism

1. Basic Definition:

   • Functionalism: This theory looks at society like a big machine. Each part, like schools, churches, and families, plays a role to keep everything working smoothly. Emile Durkheim, a key thinker, believed these parts help society stay stable.
   • Conflict Theory: This theory, connected mostly to Karl Marx, sees society as always in conflict. People compete for limited resources, like money and power, which leads to struggles between different groups.

2. Focus:

   • Functionalism: This theory is all about keeping things stable. It focuses on how institutions, like education and religion, help society work well together. Each part has a job that helps society stay balanced.
   • Conflict Theory: This theory looks at inequality and power struggles. It points out that resources in society are not shared fairly, which causes conflicts between different groups.

3. View of Social Change:

   • Functionalism: This view sees social change as slow and necessary. When society adapts to new situations, it’s seen as a good thing that helps maintain stability.
   • Conflict Theory: This view sees social change as unavoidable and sometimes violent. It often happens because marginalized groups fight against their oppression. History shows that revolutions can lead to major changes in society.

4. Assumptions About Society:

   • Functionalism: This theory believes that societies naturally try to reach a balance. About 75% of societies show behavior that helps keep things stable.
   • Conflict Theory: This theory thinks that social structures are naturally unfair and create inequality. Research shows that the richest 1% of people own more than 40% of the world’s wealth, showing how deep the inequality goes.

By understanding these key differences, students can better look at society and see how different groups interact and function.