Functionalism: Macrolevel Sociological Perspective

Functionalism is a macrolevel sociological perspective which states that a social system is composed of parts that work together to benefit a whole, much like the human body; without its vital organs the body cannot properly function. An example I would like to use is Medicare, social security helps keep the cycle of transferring its older employees into retirement which then leaves open positions for the younger generations. When each part of Social Security runs smooth and efficiently, it’s much like a car if all parts work appropriately then your car will run smoothly for miles to come. However, if parts start to malfunction eventually it will fail. Medicare helps provide a stable income and relaxing time for the elderly who have worked hard for their …show more content…
Founded by Karl Marx, he pointed out the constant struggle for power and how the more powerful and resourced party will dominate the less powerful party. He claimed that social order is maintained by domination and that it is basically a cycle for example, the powerful and the rich would have more resources and more of an economical advantage when it comes to sending their children off to better school. Which then would get them better paying a job and more resources for the next generations to come, so the cycle continues. As opposed to a more economical tight families with less resources who can’t afford to send their kids to an Ivy League school. Their children may not get as many resources and/ or the economic status as the child from a school like Harvard. This would keep the wealthy dominate over poorer classes and the cycle going. Karl Marx argues that the conflict theory has been around since early civilization. To summarize it conflict theory is any group in society that will attempt to further its power even if it means exploiting people or at the expenses of others. Conflict theory view society as a system of conflict and