Sociology

There are many theories that have been developed by sociologists to explain different social phenomenon. These theories try to explain the relationship between different aspects of the society. They explain why some social occurrence do occur in certain society and do not occur in other societies. These theories give an explanation of why religion, crime drug abuse, influence of media, imperialism and education among other aspects of the society develop. Structural functionalism theory and conflict theory are the most famous sociological theories. They are prominent because of there ability to explain different aspects of social life. However, these theories have weaknesses although they are commonly referred to by sociologist in trying to explain different aspects of the society. They have also been able to withstand challenges from critics for a long time.

The conflict theory is one of the most prominent theories of sociology. Conflict theory was developed by sociologists opposed to structural functionalism. In many ways, it can be seen as if it was developed from the weaknesses of structural functionalism. The theory suggests that society can be understood by looking at the competition which is inevitable in any society and not based on its complexity and the struggle to attain the equilibrium. In every society, there is endless competition for limited power and resources. Members of the society compete for power, money, mates and leisure - almost every thing. The structures of the society (such as organized religious groups, governments) are as a result of the competitiveness of the society. In these structures, some organizations are endowed with more resources basically influence and power than others. These more powerful and influential class will always use their resources to maintain their position in the society (Boss et al, p 558).

The basic assumption of the conflict theory is that competition is a basic feature of relationships in a human society. It also assumes that inequality is inherent in any social structure and the privileged in the society seeks to maintain their status. There are therefore continuous conflicts amidst competing interests. However, the major limitation of the conflict theory is that it ignores the stability of the society despite inherent changes. The conflict theory is based on Karl Marx proposals and ideas of a materialistic society. He is considered the most influential sociologist and thinker of all time. He studies the conflicts between the social class and the competitions that are inherent in any society. However, Karl Marx is largely associated with communism where the wealth goes to the right owner, the worker and was opposed to a capitalistic society.  

Structural functionalism is a sociological theory that was very common among sociologists in the mid 20th century. The theory suggests that stratification of the society is universal and essential. The theory explains the functions of social stratification in satisfaction of individual needs. The theory argues that the society is able to maintain its stability despite the changes due to solidarity in the social institutions. The main concern of structural functionalism theory is to explain the evident stability and cohesiveness of human societies. However, this theory is not without criticism. It has been criticized for concentrating social order and equilibrium while not explaining changes that are intrinsic in all human societies. Another major weakness of the structural functionalist theory is on its assumption that the society has no needs that must be satisfied like individuals have. Emil Durkheim is considered to be the father of structural functionalism theory. He introduced the role of social structures in performing basic factions in the society and related the aspects of the society to the social structures rather than the individual. Other prominent functionalist theorists include Robert Merton, Herbert Spencer and Talsott Parsons. (Brinkerhoff et al, pg 144).

In conclusion, the conflict theory and the structural functionalist theory vary in many ways. While structural functionalist theory is prominent among conservatives who view the society collectively, the conflict theory argues that all phenomenons that affect the society at the individual level or a group can be explained in terms of competition. The conflict theory was developed from the weaknesses of the structural functionalist theory. My personal view is that we live in a competitive society full of conflict where the elite want to maintain their status while the rest of the society strives to rise in the social ladder. Therefore I consider myself a conflict theorist.