Structural and Action theories

Authors Avatar
Structural and Action theories

Here I shall compare and contrast Structural and Action theories, using knowledge gained from my introduction into Sociology. I will be discussing the differences between such theories. Also I will focus within structural theory and outline the differences between consensus and conflict.

Structural theory is looked at on a macro-level. Where the society is observed as a whole system in which behaviour is influenced by the structure of society. Norms and values are adopted by people where the inherited beliefs and behaviour patterns are learnt.

Structural-Consensus Theory believes that all members within the society are in agreement. This allows them to learn and pass-on norms and behaviour to generations to come, continuing a stable solidarity to which people are accustomed. Behaviour patterns are learnt. This means that members of the society will unconsciously act in certain situations in a particular manner, which has been learnt because it is seen as appropriate. The norms and values are agreed which allows the society to survive. Certain values such as core values are recognised by everyone in a society, they all act in the same way in the situation because it is appropriate and it has been learnt through inherited generations. Other values may be specific to small societies which are made up from some people in the whole society. These values may not be known by people exterior to that society, but because they are exterior they do not need to know the values it needs to survive.

Structural-Conflict Theory emphasises on the fact that there is inequality within society. This makes people limited to the actions and behaviours they can and are allowed to do. Due to the fact of differences between members of society, they think that all people are not in agreement with rules which apply to everyone. They cannot see how rules can be set for everyone to obey. Therefore they see conflict between types of people. This conflict is usually between those who are advantaged, and those who are not. Which is where classes are formed. They are formed through generalisations. For instance: The type of job someone does could put him/her at an advantage over someone who has a lower-paid job. Acknowledging this sort of a difference in status may give those who are seen as having more of an advantage a perceived amount of power over the lesser ones. The theory suggests that the norms and rules are forced onto members of society. Members have no control over what values and norms they learn. It is an involuntary action from which inherited normality's cannot be escaped.
Join now!


Functionalism is a form of Structural-Consensus Theory. It adopts the same beliefs as consensus theory. Emile Durkheim, thought of as the originator of functional thoughts, believed strongly in society having order to it. He like all believers of Structural theories, believed that society can be studied using science as a reliable source of research. This is why structural theory is thought of as the subjective theory, because it relies on unbiased data to resolve problems within society. This can often be criticised because how can personal behaviour be analysed by such things. There is nothing which says this ...

This is a preview of the whole essay