Comparing Functionism, Marxism, and Social Action Theory

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Sociology is generally made up of three paradigms: Functionalism,

Conflict Theory and Symbolic interactionism.

A paradigm is a set of assumptions that shape and underlie

explanations of why society is the way it is (Early Stratification

Theory, internet 2003).

Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim, Parsons and Merton.

Functionalists believe in shared norms and values, which are

influenced by the Family, Education, church and employment. It sees

society as a shaper of people rather than people shaping society. The

functionalist says we need social order in which to survive normally.

Roles are also important to the functionalist for example the roles in

marriage.

The functionalist believe we as humans look at the roles played around

us, for example, our parents and then we copy them. We think the

pattern of life that we see is a natural one.

We learn roles from our family thus the son is expected to take the

role/job of his father as is the daughter expected to cook and clean

akin to her mother. The role of the family is to socialise its new

members and teaches them the norms and values essential to the social

life, working together to make society work as a whole.

The church's role according to the functionalist, plays a major role

in holding society together by endowing it's agreed values and beliefs

with sacredness and, through rituals, eter Worsley 1970 pg 475)

Harmony, common consent, unity, unanimity and agreement are common

words used by the functionalist. If we all agree to peace and

goodwill, have respect for each other and stick together and follow

the guidelines set down for us by our an...

... middle of paper ...

...me,

although I understand we need the basis of structures and economics

but we also need to be able to make up our own minds and direct our

own actions.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Berger, P. and Kellner, H. (1981) Sociology reinterpreted. U.K.

Pelican books.

Class: An Introduction (internet) Available from:

http://www.sociologyonline.co.uk/soc essays/class.htm accessed

29.10.03

Early Stratification Theory (internet) Available from:

http://www.wise.virginia.edu/p_withen/reviews/ST/STRev/revSTO4earlystratth.html

accessed 29.10.03

Weber, M. (1999) (internet) available from:

http://uregina.ca/~gingrich/S30f99.htm accessed on 29.10.03

Worsley, P. (ED) (1970) The New Introducing Sociology Penguin books

Middlesex impressing them upon society's members and renewing and

reinforcing their attachment to them. (P

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