Chapter 2 disscussion - Coursework Example

Contrast conflict theory v. Structural functionalism Structural functionalism insists and stresses that the community operates as a whole. The individuals, politics, families, education system and economy all interact to form a functioning society. If any of the social parts experiences dysfunction, the whole society has to pay a price. An example is when families fail to raise disciplined children, churches, courts and schools must take the slack. At the end the society has to adjust as a response to the transformation of the social institution.

Conflict theory insists that the society can’t come together as a whole for one common purpose or agenda. The theory suggests that tension and conflict are the main foundation of life and they are the concepts that make up ultimate society and social change complete. Conflict theory stresses more on class conflict2. Symbolic interactionismSymbolic interactionism depicts that interacting with other people and meaning behind gestures and words is what forms the society. From this concept people act on things depending on the meanings derived (Ferris & Stein 49).

The meanings are derived through social interaction then modified by interpretation. Symbolic interactionism views face-to-face interaction as the foundation of everything in human society. Without interaction, there is no successful society.3 how the theories of Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber all reflect a concern for the consequences of modern life. The views of Karl, Emile and Max have shaped the various ways of interpreting social structure in the modern society. Marx suggests that issues such as family values, religion and politics stem from the economy.

They believed that religion had no importance and it is only a burden to the society. The theories reflect that as the community becomes more advanced then more tasks become essential for the society to be stable. The theories also suggest that the social struggle is the significant cause of social struggle. They all insist that the division of labor and responsibility is important in the modern society4. Types of functions that social structures can fulfillSocial structures can fulfill various functions like giving distinction to a particular society.

Social structures ensure the society exists in harmony and everyone has a role to play. The structures make the society more orderly and systematic (Ferris & Stein 65) . It also makes the society meaningful and functional. Social structures ensure than every person in the society is responsible and accountable.Works CitedKerry Ferris, Jill Stein. The Real World (Fourth Edition). New York: W. W. Norton, Incorporated, 2014.