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]]>According to, Structural functional perspective all parts of society (social institutions, groups and association) work together and make society as whole. Therefore, functionalist view as an important part of society which function contribute in the organization of society. Cultural norms provide a guideline to individual to have to behave within an institution and society, which contribute to the stability and fluid operation of society. Values teaches people what choices should they made in different scenarios, which are within the boundary of social morality. Those choices and decisions should be considered moral and accepted by the members of society. Culture fulfil the needs of members within a society, it contribute in the stability and order of society.
According to conflict perspective social structure of society is inherently based on inequality, those who are powerful and wealthy (upper-class) exploit people, norms, values and institutions for their own benefit and selfish desires. Conflict theorist view culture as a tool for powerful and wealthy people to sustain and maintain the inequalities and differences in the power between social classes within society. Conflict perspective is not only limited to power of wealth but, it also discusses the power which is related to gender, age and race. Such inequalities which are based on gender, class, age and race create conflict in the society between two factions. For instance, businesses promote their products through media, which promote the desired culture of wealthy class. Everyone within a society cannot buy or afford those products and life style which is promoted via media. Businesses and media promote things as, it is the only way to live within a society. Therefore, it creates a gap between the two classes the one who can afford those products and lifestyle and those who cannot afford and bye. Which leads to the conflict between two classes. Women did not have right to vote in early twentieth century which lead to the establishment of different association and organization for the purpose of securing right to vote. This the example of conflict between two factions on the basis of gender.
Interactionist theorist view society as, the product of social interaction. They believe that, culture is created and sustained because of social interaction between the members of society. The way people behave and interact with one another within a society, culture will be the reflection of their actions and how those actions are interpreted. Interactionist believe that, interaction is the continuous processes which drives meaning from objects and actions of others. Actions of people and objects in environment are considered to be symbols, which has meaning. Those meanings are interpreted and communicated through language to others. Interactionist believe that, culture is dynamic because it depends on how the symbols are interpreted and perceived by people with in a society.
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]]>Karl Marx theories view society from conflict perspective, according to him society comprises of different social classes, however those social classes are in state of conflict due to existing economic inequalities. Which is explained in “communist manifesto” by Fredrick Engle’s and karl marx. According to them history of every society is the history of class struggle. Crux of karl marx theories is that, there is economic conflict between two groups proletariat and bourgeoisie. Proletariat are working class people, who works on daily wedges and do not have enough resources to buy equipment for the production. Bourgeoisie are those people who own means of production and factories where workers work. According to Karl Marx in capitalist society rich will become richer and poor will become poorer. Since poor don’t own share in the means of production therefore, they are not provided the fair share of their work. Workers are being exploited by the owner of factories who own means of production, profit which is generated from the hard work of workers goes in the pocket of few who are rich in material resources.
other modern conflict theorist agree with Karl Marx’s view of conflict between social classes on the basis of economic inequalities, however they observed that, economic inequalities alone doesn’t explains the social conflict comprehensively. Some other inequalities exists as well within a society, which should also be taken into consideration. Conflict can also arise as a result of the assigned roles on the basis of cast, creed, color and gender. For example, in some societies women are not allowed to take part in any educational activities, which explains the inequality in educational opportunities on the basis of gender. Feminist social groups and organization are the best fitted example for gender inequality and change in society.
Assumption behind conflict perspective;
Conflict perspective is based on Karl Marx theories.
Assumption behind the perspective are given below;
Competition; multiple social groups’ compete over scarce resources.
Structural inequalities; unequal distribution of wealth amongst the individuals in society. Uneven opportunities on the basis of material wealth, gender and religion.
Social change; social change take place as a result of conflict among different social groups; Marx believed that conflict between proletariat and bourgeoisie will result in overthrowing of capitalist system, which will be replaced with communism.
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