CONSENSUS VS
CONFLICT
SOCIO SEC 3- MR. NICK
POP QUIZ
• Send answers to WA
• Correct answers = 100%
• Wrong answers = 50%
• No answer = 0%
CONSENSUS THEORY/FUNCTIONALISM
• Consensus means “agree with”
• This theory starts with a main idea that most of the systems and
structures in society are good. They are useful. They have helped us
survive and evolve and get to where we are today.
• The main group of consensus sociologists are FUNCTIONALISTS
FUNCTIONALISM
• Functionalists look for the function of each structure or aspect of society
• Functionalists ask “what is this things function, OR what makes it useful?”
• Society is a machine – each part plays a function and needs to work
properly for the machine to run smoothly
FUNCTIONALISM 2
• Another way to look at functionalism is that SOCIETY is like the HUMAN BODY
• For a body to function properly, all the parts need to work together
THE HEAD- Is like the government, making decisions for society
THE HEART- IS like the family structure, teaching kids the values of society
THE ARMS- are like the police, they can catch people who break the law
THE LEGS- are like the education system. Teaching kids skills they need to help them
walk/run to their future goals
FUNCTIONALISM 3
• The main point is, they see every part of society as useful
• Even if there are minor flaws, or some things are unfair, it is still a good
system overall
• CONSENSUS- they think society is working well, don’t change too
much or you could break the whole body/machine
FUNCTIONALISM AND FAMILY
• When functionalists look at the traditional family structure (working dad, stay at
home mom, kids) they study the positive benefits and usefulness of these roles
1) Stay at home mom helps to socialize kids because of the close relationship (better
socialization)
2) Dad as head authority figure teaches discipline and social control (to follow
authority)
3) Each parent completes a necessary task (Dad provides financial support, Mom
provides emotional support)
CONFLICT THEORY
• Conflict means “fight against” or “disagree with”
• This theory starts with the main idea that many of societies structures are either
broken or inherently unfair (created to be unfair)
• The 2 main groups of conflict theorists are MARXISM and FEMINISM
MARXISTS AND FEMINISTS
• Marxists- believe that the functions of each part of society are bad
because they all benefit the wealthy/rich people in society and exploit
the poor people and the working class.
• Feminists- believe that the functions of each part of society are bad
because they all benefit men and keep women in a lower position in
society.
FEMINISM AND FAMILY
• When feminists look at the traditional family structure (working dad, stay at
home mom, kids) they study the negative ways the family limits power for
women in society:
1) Mom is never able to be independent (she must rely on her husband for
financial support)
2) Mom cannot follow her dreams (her most important goal is given to her:
be a good mom)
3) Dad has a higher role in the family, so women are unable to be leaders