The theory of functionalism defines social institutions as a collective whole necessary to fulfil the various needs of individuals and centers on the means by which these institutions meet their social needs. One of the significant theses regarding this concept is that solidarity can lead to cohesion for survival (Wandi et al., 2021). The opposition between structural functionalism vs conflict theory is manifested in the different approaches of these concepts to equality, opportunity and flexibility in society.
The first subject in question emphasizes social order more than social change, unlike conflict theory, which believes that fundamental changes and conflicts are unavoidable in a society. In the concept of functionalism, it is believed that an individual is simply an occupant of their social role and is, thus, not as significant as a person but rather as a combination of social roles and status (Izadi et al., 2020). While this notion believes that social inequality and oppression may be necessary for the stability, integration and functioning of a society, the theory of conflict holds exploitation by dominant groups to be the main reason for social problems.
The study of structural functionalism and conflict theory is characterized by dissimilar value orientations since they have the same perception of inequality, which is that the dominant groups profit from discrimination. According to the first subject of study, discrimination fits perfectly into society because it produces positive results, but second idea states that social change is inevitable and will occur continuously and rapidly (Rusu, 2020). This can be explained by the fact that different social groups strive to take each other’s place in the social hierarchy.
Structural functionalism says that when a society becomes complex, differentiation takes place, and integration takes place among the new institutions. Thus, even though changes occur, structures inside a society emerge to compensate for the change. These new integrated structures guarantee the smooth running of our society, and thus, it argues that the members are responsible for its stability and order. However, the conflict theory says that the probability of change is embedded in the basic structures and relations among the classes of our society (Rusu, 2020). Therefore, when people reach a point where further growth of society is not possible, a crisis takes place, which transforms the society. Consequently, change is a continuous process until it reaches a crisis point where transformation takes place.
Functionalism intently focuses on the equilibrium of a society and says that it consists of mutually dependent parts working together to maintain that equilibrium. In addition, social institutions can mainly be described through their consequences, which, however, does not fully explain the reasons for these effects (Wandi et al., 2021). The theory of conflict was actually developed to demonstrate the shortcomings of structural functionalism.
Structural functionalism and conflict theory have opposing views on the dynamics of society since the first concept believes that society is inclined towards stability, and the second reason is that there is constant conflict. This is the main difference between both concepts. The perspective of the second idea overlooks societal equilibrium (Rusu, 2020). Although societies are constantly changing, the changes are often minimal, and thus, the essential elements of a society remain pretty stable. This proves the significance of structural functionalism. Therefore, this is how both these theories fall short of being complete explanations. However, since sociological theories are complementary, we cannot say which one is better and only when they are combined do we get a better understanding of society.
References
Izadi, A., Mohammadi, M., Nasekhian, S., & Memar, S. (2020). Structural functionalism, social sustainability and the historic environment: a role for theory in urban regeneration. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 11(2-3), 158-180.
Rusu, M. S. (2020). Street names through sociological lenses. Part I: Functionalism and conflict theory. Social Change Review, 18, 144-176.
Wandi, J. I., Afnita, N., & Hefni, H. (2021). Study of” Functional Structure” Emilie Durkheim Reviewed From Educational Anthropology on Character and Behavior Society. Ikhtisar, 1(1), 39-51.