SOCIAL CONFLICT

The origins of the conflict

perspective can be traced to
the classic works of Karl Marx.
Marx suggested that all
societies go through stages of
economic development.

Conflict perspective views

society as composed of
different groups and interest
competing for power and
resources.

The conflict perspective

explains various aspects of our
social world by looking at
which groups have power and
benefit from a particular social
arrangement.

Conflict perspective views

society as composed of
different groups and interest
competing for power and
resources.
 SYMBOLIC
INTERACTION
9

STRUCTURAL
FUNCTIONALISM

Functionalism, also known as the The functionalist perspective is

functionalist perspective, arose based largely on the works of
out of two great revolutions of Herbert Spencer, Emile
the 18th and 19th centuries. Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and
Robert Merton.

Functionalists believe that society

According to functionalism,
society is a system of
interconnected parts that work
together in harmony to maintain
a state of balance and social
equilibrium
for the whole.
is held together by social
consensus, or cohesion, in which
members of the society agree
upon, and work together to
achieve, what is best for society as
a whole.

Functionalism holds that every The functionalist perspective is

institution in society acts like an based largely on the works of
Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim,
organ in a body. Each one is
Talcott Parsons, and Robert
important to the proper
Merton.
functioning of the society.

Functionalism has a very positive

image of society. Society is like
an organism and all of its parts
work together to create and
maintain order and stability.