Compare and Contrast Two Sociological theories
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. ‘Marx maintained that, with the possible exception of the societies of prehistory, all historical societies contain basic contradictions, which means that they cannot survive forever in their existing forms. These contradictions involve the exploitation of one social group by another: in feudal society, lords exploit their serfs; in capitalist society, employers exploit their employees. This creates a fundamental conflict of interest between social groups, since one gains at the expense of another. This conflict of interest must ultimately be resolved, since a social system containing such contradictions cannot survive unchanged.’ (Haralambos & Holborn 2013 - Page 11) Marxists believe that two opposing classes are at the heart of the conflict within society; the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The bourgeoisie in Marxist, and general sociological terms, defines a person of wealth and capitalistic means whose concern would typically be wealth, production and capital. The proletariat population conversely would be the general wage earners. The proletariats only noteworthy asset is that of their ability to work, they are usually industrial workers, selling their labour for the best price they can get in a stereotypical capitalist
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. ‘Marx maintained that, with the possible exception of the societies of prehistory, all historical societies contain basic contradictions, which means that they cannot survive forever in their existing forms. These contradictions involve the exploitation of one social group by another: in feudal society, lords exploit their serfs; in capitalist society, employers exploit their employees. This creates a fundamental conflict of interest between social groups, since one gains at the expense of another. This conflict of interest must ultimately be resolved, since a social system containing such contradictions cannot survive unchanged.’ (Haralambos & Holborn 2013 - Page 11) Marxists believe that two opposing classes are at the heart of the conflict within society; the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The bourgeoisie in Marxist, and general sociological terms, defines a person of wealth and capitalistic means whose concern would typically be wealth, production and capital. The proletariat population conversely would be the general wage earners. The proletariats only noteworthy asset is that of their ability to work, they are usually industrial workers, selling their labour for the best price they can get in a stereotypical capitalist