How does conflict theory differ from Functionalist theory in relation to education?
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The main difference between Functionalism and Conflict Theory is that Functionalism considers society as a system consisting of different sub-sections having their specific functions, whereas Conflict Theory considers the society due to social conflicts arising among different social classes due to inequality. Functionalism has a cooperative approach that focuses on the contribution of social parts is a society, which acts as a system. On the other
hand, conflict theory has a competitive approach that focuses on conflicts in society. Functionalism ignores the social changes, whereas conflict theory does not ignore the social changes triggered by class discrimination and unequal distribution of resources. Functionalism was discovered by Emil Durkheim. On the flip side, conflict theory was discovered by Karl Marx. Functionalism assumes that everyone is satisfied by working in society, whereas conflict theory believes that everyone is not satisfied with society’s performance. Functionalism protects existing social orders and sequences. Conversely, conflict theory highlights the tension and diversion occurring in society. Functionalism
considers society as a whole, whereas conflict theory considers society as parts. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism is debated as a good thing. On the contrary, conflict theory is debated as a bad thing. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism does not omit the census and equilibrium, whereas conflict theory interprets the negligence of census and equilibrium of the society. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism focuses on the relationship between different interrelated parts of society. On the flip side, conflict theory pays its concentration on the competition for resources and inequality among classes. Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryFunctionalism views education as a positive aspect, whereas conflict theory views education in a negative perspective. Functionalismnoun(architecture) A doctrine, in several fields, that the function of something should be reflected in its design and the materials used in its construction Functionalismnoun(philosophy) The definition of mental states in terms of their causes and effects Functionalismnoun(social science) The idea that social and cultural cohesion are a function of the interdependence and interactions of the institutions of a society Functionalismnoun(psychology) A general school of thought that considers psychological phenomena in terms of their role in adaptation to the person's environment Functionalismnouna psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment Functionalismnounany doctrine that stresses utility or purpose Comparison Chart
Functionalism vs. Conflict theoryIn functionalism, society is taken as an entity consisting of different subdivisions, and each of the subdivision has its specific function. On the other hand, according to conflict theory, society is comprehended through the social conflicts emerging due to injustice. Functionalism views society as a system containing different parts, whereas conflict theory views society as a struggle between different classes due to discrimination and unfairness. Functionalism focuses on the importance of cooperation. On the flip side, conflict theory concentrates on the significance of competition. Functionalism is defined as a theory that describes all the aspects of a society that perform their functions and are essential for the survival and existence of society. Conversely, a theory that describes a perpetual conflict among various classes in society due to the unequal distribution of resources is called conflict theory. The pioneer or founder of the theory of functionalism is Emile Durkheim, whereas the pioneer or founder of conflict theory is Karl Marx. Functionalism sees society as interdependent, depending on every aspect of society to run smoothly. On the contrary, conflict theory does not believe in the innate goodness of society; instead, it considers the society as different groups who compete with one another for the resources. Functionalism describes the social and economic factors as positive aspects of a functioning society. On the flip side, conflict theory designates the social and economic features as the motives for misconduct and aberration. What is Functionalism?Functionalism, which is also characterized as structural-functional theory, labels the society as a structure with numerous interconnected segments indicated to fulfill the organic and social needs of the individuals residing in that society. Emile Durkheim suggested this theory to explain the changes in society over time and its survival. Functionalism highlights various parts of the society, including administration, instruction, government, law, family, healthcare, religion, conviction, and the budget, etc. that refer to the social organizations and are defined as arrangements or performances focused on achieving the social needs. The society can work efficiently if all the interrelated parts play their role in maintaining stability. Functionalism interprets that society is maintained by shared standards, languages, and symbols. It describes that social facts like laws, ethics, values, sacred beliefs, civilizations, fashion, and rites collectively serve in governing social life. Functionalism believes that everything that happens in society happens for good and serves to help in keeping society functioning. For example, homelessness helps to motivate the person to keep working hard, or committing a crime is a motivation to avoid the situations because getting caught will result in jail. Functionalism helps in maintaining our social principles and anticipations. Functionalism analyses the norms, customs, traditions, and institutions of society as a whole. It states that all the aspects of society are dependents, which serve a function in stabilizing society. Functionalism highlights inter-dependency among the variable fundamentals that eventually lead to the maintenance of society. What is Conflict Theory?Conflict theory describes the society not as a whole but in the form of parts produced as a result of the unequal distribution of resources. The conflict in society due to inequality and injustice faced by communities inside the unbalanced class system of the society refers to the importance of conflict theory. According to this theory, continuous tension is realized between the topmost class bourgeoisie and the working or lowest level class proletariat. The main focus of conflict theory is class conflict. It explains the class order in a society maintained by domination and power without consensus and conformity due to the limitation of resources. Conflict theory explains the working of society in parts as it disguises the mean nature of the wealthy to hold on their power by every means, mainly by suppressing the poor and powerless. It illustrates the pressures and uncertainties arising due to unequal distribution of assets like status and power among different assemblies in society, and these class discrepancies generate a social change in society. Conflict theory also describes the social issues, including social insurrections, social discernment, domestic violence, and gender disputes. Conflict theory does not believe in the distinctive goodness of society. It views society as groups competing with one another. Conflict theory uses a macro approach to highlight the competition among various classes in a society. It refers to the social order preserved by domination. Conflict theory possesses a more realistic approach as it provides the elite with more control and opportunities. Conclusion How the functionalist theorists and conflict theorists differ in their views regarding education?Functionalists see education as a beneficial contribution to an ordered society; however, conflict theorists see the educational system as perpetuating the status quo by dulling the lower classes into being obedient workers.
What does the conflict theory say about education?Conflict theorists do not believe that public schools reduce social inequality through providing equal opportunity. Rather, they believe that the educational system reinforces and perpetuates social inequalities that arise from differences in class, gender, race, and ethnicity.
What is functionalist theory in education?The functionalist theory of education focuses on how education serves the needs of society through development of skills, encouraging social cohesion and sorting of students. According to functionalists, the role of schools is to prepare students for participation in the institutions of society.
Why conflict theory is important in education?The conflict theory of education is useful for understanding how social structure affects children in the public school system. You can use conflict theory to better understand how experiences in public school may affect a child for the rest of their lives.
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