Evaluation of Functionalism and Marxism

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Matthew Burgess

Introduction to Sociology – Task 3

Sociology is made up of different perspectives that agree and disagree in many areas, which help to explain the nature of society and its complexities. Two of the most influential perspectives which have helped shape sociological beliefs, and explain how societies function as well as interpret the causes of social change, are functionalism and Marxism.

Functionalism and Marxism are structural approaches and therefore agree that society can be analysed in terms of a specific structure, with less emphasis being placed on individuals. They also can be referred to as holistic or macro approaches as they look at society as a whole, or the ‘big picture’. Despite these similarities however, there are major contradictions when it comes to explanations of society. Functionalists believe that society is based around consensus which is achieved through most people in society sharing the same values. Marxists discard this theory however, suggesting that conflict between different groups pursuing their own interests is what is important when understanding society.

Major functionalist influences including Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) and Robert K. Merton (1910-2003) believe that society is made up of different interrelating systems, all of which have their own vital purposes and functions, which depend upon one another. An organic analogy is often used to liken the operation of society to that of the human body – The human body is also dependent on its various systems working together to keep it alive and well. As discussed before, functionalists believe that society is based around consensus, agreement and harmony amongst the people, and that order and balance are regarded as the normal state of society. This is achieved through socialisation, where culture is learned and acceptable behaviour defined for the benefit of all. Marxism rejects this however and instead believes that society is constructed to benefit the most powerful social classes.

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Karl Marx (1818-1883) believed that economics was the basis of society, and the most important factor in understanding how society functions is the means of production and the roles played within it. Social class is determined by a person’s relationship to the production process. On one side you have the ruling class (or the bourgeoisie) who own and control the means of production, and on the other side you have the subject class (or the proletariat) who sell their labour power in return for a wage. Conflict occurs as the bourgeoisie uses its power to oppress and exploit the ...

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