Functionalism vs. Marxism

Attribute	Functionalism	Marxism
Founder	Emile Durkheim	Karl Marx
Focus	Social order and stability	Class struggle and revolution
Role of economy	Not central	Central
Role of social institutions	Important for maintaining order	Seen as tools of oppression
View on social change	Slow and gradual	Rapid and revolutionary

Introduction

Functionalism and Marxism are two major sociological perspectives that offer different ways of understanding society. While both theories aim to explain social structures and processes, they have distinct approaches and assumptions that shape their analyses. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Functionalism and Marxism to highlight their key differences and similarities.

Basic Tenets

Functionalism, also known as structural functionalism, views society as a complex system with interconnected parts that work together to maintain social order and stability. According to functionalists, each part of society serves a specific function that contributes to the overall well-being of the system. In contrast, Marxism, developed by Karl Marx, focuses on the conflict between different social classes and the role of power and inequality in shaping society. Marxists argue that the capitalist system perpetuates exploitation and alienation among the working class.

Role of Institutions

Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social institutions in maintaining social cohesion and stability. Institutions such as family, education, and religion are seen as essential for fulfilling the needs of individuals and ensuring the smooth functioning of society. In contrast, Marxism views institutions as tools of the ruling class to maintain their power and control over the working class. Marxists argue that institutions perpetuate inequality and serve the interests of the dominant class.

View on Social Change

Functionalism tends to have a conservative view on social change, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social order and stability. Functionalists believe that gradual changes are necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of society and avoid disruptions. On the other hand, Marxism advocates for revolutionary change to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a classless society based on equality and cooperation. Marxists argue that social change is necessary to address the root causes of inequality and exploitation.

Analysis of Inequality

Functionalism downplays the role of inequality in society, focusing instead on the contributions of each part of the system to maintain social equilibrium. Functionalists argue that inequality is a natural outcome of differences in talent and effort, and that social stratification is necessary for the division of labor. In contrast, Marxism sees inequality as a result of the capitalist system that benefits the ruling class at the expense of the working class. Marxists believe that inequality is a product of exploitation and must be addressed through social change.

View on Social Order

Functionalism sees social order as the result of consensus and cooperation among members of society. According to functionalists, shared values and norms help maintain social cohesion and prevent conflict. In contrast, Marxism views social order as a product of power dynamics and class struggle. Marxists argue that social order is maintained through the dominance of the ruling class and the suppression of dissent among the working class.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Functionalism and Marxism offer distinct perspectives on society that highlight different aspects of social structures and processes. While Functionalism focuses on the interdependence of social institutions and the maintenance of social order, Marxism emphasizes the role of power and inequality in shaping society. By comparing the attributes of Functionalism and Marxism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of social life and the various factors that influence social change and stability.