Marx Functionalism Theory

Marx’s theory predicted that the “accumulation of wealth at one pole is at the same time accumulation of misery, agony of toil, slavery, ignorance, brutality, mental degradation, at the opposite pole” (Marx, 2007:709). There is still an enormous wealth gap in various societies; like in Brazil there are favelas, in Argentina there the villa miseria and in France the banlieus the people within these communities struggle to find vertical mobility, like Marx expressed if someone is born into certain social class they will stay in that social class for the rest of their lives. (Plummer,2010:166). Exploitation is still evident today, even in developed nations like Qatar where there is exploitation of migrant workers. Qatar the construction workers

“No system of distribution can satisfy everyone, since there is no obviously “right” or “fair” way to distribute power, privilege, and prestige” (Nolan. Lenski, 2004: 269). Functionalism is a theory that could explain why Marx’s predictions have not been realized. Functionalism may be defined as the “theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability” (Moffit, n.d). Unlike Marxist, functionalist believe that society is abundant due to presence of roles, status and norms into social hierarchy—there isn’t just a separation of dominants and impotent. (Sociologyguide, n.d). Functionalists believe society to be a complex system made up of interdependent and interrelated parts; each part is a vital piece of society. The malfunction of a part could indicate or even provoke disruption within society (faculty.upi,n.d). (potmd,2012) Functionalist agree that

Haralambos & Holbron (2004:84) determined that postmodern societies distinguish themselves through four key figures: culturalism, fragmentation, autonomization and resignifcation. Postmodernism theorizes that class is dead due to our consumer culture that allows infinite freedom of choice, taste, lifestyle and fashion; therefore, everyone has the ability to shape themselves and create their own identity. Globalization and media influence has spread the idea of individualism is the key that divides society subsequently provoking no definite class exclusivity—People no longer identify themselves through their social class, occupation or their background, rather they do so through their leisure (realsociology, n.d). Postmodernism encourages the idea that if perceptions are acted upon they can be achieved through a person’s willingness to pursue their personal development and desires (Pakulski & Waters,1996:121:120). Literary critic Frederic Jameson argued from a Marxist perspective that society is divided because despite having a superstructure that is constantly changing (culture and society), there is still an economical base (the relation of productions and exchange) which is what ultimately shapes society (Clark, 2008);