Structural Functionalist Theory Vs Conflict Theory

In this assignment I will be discussing The Family through the eyes of two different sociological perspectives, structural functionalists and conflict theorist. We will confer on the idea that “Structural Functionalist emphasise the importance of the family in maintaining stability in society and the well-being of individuals”, and also, that Conflict Theorist believe “the family is an especially rich arena for conflict”. Leaving the two not seeing eye to eye. First, looking at the ideas on The Family from a structural functionalist perspective, we see that The Family is a very imperative and essential value, also, that it is very important for society as a whole. Emile Durkheim’s theory is that Family is a microcosmic replica of the larger …show more content…
Now to compare and analyse those of a conflict theorist. The two viewpoints on the family are very different. One seeing the family as an asset and a very important part of the structure of society. While the other see it more of an institution for conflict or strife to arise from. “Conflict theorist Frendrich Engels argued that a family in a capitalist society is an explosive social institution that is primarily responsible for the oppression of woman. Conflict theorist view the relationship between men and woman the same as the relationship between capitalist and there workers. Woman are dominated by men in the home and same for workers by management or capitalist.” Woman doing house work and child care for no pay but instead for economic stability and support because even now woman are not as commonly seen in the work force as men. When countries started industrializing, the work became less home based and more focused in factories. Leaving everyone who at one point made their own good more dependants on business owners. Families no longer produced their own food for consumption but instead became dependant on markets. Conflict theorist also have a strong belief that family is an arena for conflict. Examples being sibling rivalries, or children verses parents which can lead to issues of power in a family. It also brings conflict between gender with males being the “breadwinners” and the woman being in the inferior position. However, Conflict theorist do not always see conflict as an erroneous thing because conflict can lead to change and change can be good. Another few points on gender inequality from a conflict theorist point of few is that females are supposed to capitalize on their looks and/or there appearence, as where males are meant to capitalize on their athletic and physical