![]() ![]() Macrosociologists focus on the big picture, which usually means such things as social structure, social institutions, and social, political, and economic change. Functionalism and Marxism are two prominent sociological theories that offer different perspectives on how society functions.\)Īlthough this may be overly simplistic, sociologists’ views basically fall into two camps: macrosociology and microsociology. While both theories aim to explain social order and change, they approach the subject matter from different angles. ![]() In this article, we will explore the key differences between functionalism and Marxism, shedding light on their core concepts and examining their contrasting views on society. In order to fully understand the concepts of functionalism and Marxism, it is essential to establish clear definitions for each of these sociological perspectives. Functionalismįunctionalism is a theoretical framework within sociology that views society as a complex system made up of various interconnected parts, each serving a specific function to maintain social order and stability. This perspective emphasizes the interdependence of different social institutions and their roles in promoting social cohesion and equilibrium.Īccording to functionalists, society is analogous to a living organism, where each part contributes to the overall functioning and well-being of the whole. Just as different organs in the human body perform distinct functions to ensure its survival, functionalists believe that social institutions such as education, family, religion, and government serve specific purposes to maintain the smooth functioning of society.įunctionalists argue that these institutions work together harmoniously, with each fulfilling a unique role that contributes to the overall stability and functioning of society. They believe that social order is achieved through consensus, shared values, and the fulfillment of social roles and responsibilities.įrom a functionalist perspective, social change is seen as gradual and evolutionary, occurring as a result of adjustments and adaptations within the existing social system. ![]() This perspective focuses on the positive aspects of social order, stability, and the maintenance of societal norms and values. ![]() Marxism, on the other hand, is a sociological and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It offers a critical analysis of capitalist societies and aims to expose the inherent inequalities and exploitative nature of the capitalist system. Marxism views society as being divided into two main classes: the bourgeoisie (the ruling class who own the means of production) and the proletariat (the working class who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie). According to Marxists, the relationship between these two classes is characterized by conflict and exploitation, as the bourgeoisie extract surplus value from the labor of the proletariat. Marxism emphasizes the role of social class and economic factors in shaping society. It argues that the economic base, which consists of the means of production and the relations of production, determines the social and political superstructure of society. In other words, the economic system shapes the institutions, ideologies, and power dynamics within a society. Marxists believe that social change is driven by class struggle, as the proletariat eventually becomes conscious of their exploitation and rises up against the bourgeoisie. This perspective advocates for the establishment of a classless society, where the means of production are collectively owned and wealth is distributed more equitably. Marxism offers a critical lens through which to analyze social inequalities, power dynamics, and the contradictions inherent in capitalist societies. ![]()
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