Contemporary Social Theory Essay - 595 Words

Two major approaches to contemporary social theory are the Marxian materialist approach and the structural functionalist approach. The materialist approach was developed from the work of Karl Marx, who believed that the economic order shapes society. The functionalist approach was developed from the work of Comte and Durkheim, stating that is the combination of all of society’s institutions that shapes society. An organic analogy is most often used to explain structural functionalism. The analogy represents society with the human body and social structures and institutions are represented by the body’s organs. For a human being to survive, the body must perform certain functions to solve problems and meet needs. For example, we must†¦show more content†¦The manner in which we satisfy our needs is referred to as our modes of production. The modes of production include the tools people use, the technologies society has created, and the acquired skills and knowledge, all in relation to material production. The organization and social relations in material production forms an economic order and that economic order shapes society. All aspects of society is influenced by the economic institutions. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; There are numerous differences between the preceding approaches. A major difference is in viewing the foundations of society. Materialists believe it is the economic order that shapes society; functionalists believe it is all of the interrelated components in society that shapes the whole. Another difference is how they explain social conflict. Materialists see social conflict as the result of conflict between social classes in the economic order. For example, rich executives (ruling class because they control the economy) cut jobs, creating unemployment in the subordinate class. Conflict in the functionalist view, however, stems from differences in values, norms, etc., such as racism and sexism. Another difference is in the allocation of power. Functionalists believe power is held by the people who hold the traits associated with power, and who hold common values. Those in power serve to meet the entire society’s wants and needs. MaterialistsShow MoreRelatedContemporary Socia l Theory And Functionalist Approach1457 Words   |  6 Pagespreference over other in contemporary social theory these themes consist of relationship between society and self, nature of social life, possibility, and role of social transformation, structure of social institutions and themes such as class, gender, and race. Contemporary social theory is given importance due to the fact that helps in evaluating the societal features easily. 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