Soc#3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Soc#3 - Essay Example parts, all of which serve a function together for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of society (http%3a//www.unc.edu/~kbm/SOCI10Spring2004/Structural_Functionalism.doc). Structural-functionalism is a consensus theory and to maintain the smooth functioning of the society as a whole, this theory sees the society built upon order, interrelation and balance among parts. The social conflict (SC) theorists see dominance by a subordinate group by power and authority. To the SF the norms and values are the basis of the society and social change occurs in a slow and orderly fashion. They acknowledge that change is at times necessary to correct some dysfunctions but it must be gradual allowing people to accept the changes without any disruptions. The SC theorists view social order as maintained by manipulation and controlled by dominant groups. The social change according to them occurs in a rapid and disorganized manner and the subordinate groups need to overthrow the dominant groups t o bring about equality and change in the system. Thus these two theories are exactly opposite of each other. The SC believe that oppression and exploitation by the dominant groups is the root cause of problems in the society and they consider this as wrong while the SF may consider this necessary for the smooth running and integration of the society (http%3a//www.unc.edu/~kbm/SOCI10Spring2004/Conflict_Theory.doc). The conflict theorists see change as inevitable, rapid and continuous. The SF argues that most talented people occupy the highest positions while the SC argues that the dominant groups monopolize the positions of power from generation to generation and keep the subordinate group out. While the SF believes that the most important position sin the society are the best rewarded, the SC believe that the dominant group gets the power to define the rewards. Apart from these, the two theories disagree on several issues like crimes, education and sports. Schools are powerful