In my essay I would like to talk about and discuss two controversial sociological theories – functional theory developed by Emile Durkheim and conflict theory suggested by Marx and Weber. Both these theories are related to society and education, though they are quiet opposite. In order to understand these theories better, I will also provide examples of real-world situation in the world nowadays.
The first theory was suggested and developed by the French philosopher Emile Durkheim more than 100 years ago. This theory consists two main basic elements – role differentiation and social solidarity. Role differentiation means that there are many different roles in society, and every individual is supposed to find, understand and perform this role in his life. Therefore, it is possible to say that the main task of education is to provide people with knowledge and opportunities to learn in order to gain necessary skills and fill these roles. The second important element of the theory – social solidarity – provides a social stability among people who fill all these different roles. Thus, social stability enables people to feel comfortable in their role and makes them want to perform their role further. A good example of functional theory in our society nowadays is public school system, where children learn since early years about possible different roles in society and acquire that necessary and important knowledge to become after skillful workers. It can be knowledge in history, languages, mathematics and etc. – all those subjects, knowing of which is needed for a particular society. (Social structure and education) Thus, it is possible to conclude, that in functional theory the society is considered to be as a community with the same cultural standards, where all the members of community work for the good of this community by performing different roles.
Conflict theory developed by Marx and Weber in 18th century has a different point of view regarding society and education. Apart from functionalists, conflict theorists emphasize that the central feature and factor of every society is power that rules this society. Thus, power is something that all the members of community strife for. Besides power there are also class, status and etc. Therefore, as conflict theorists claim, there is no place for equality in community, and since there are different classes (more and less prestigious), people cannot be satisfied with all their roles, as functional theory points out. Thus, in terms of education, there are always dominant students at schools and universities, who possess higher class, more prestigious role in society and have power. In terms of contemporary society, I think that conflict theory more realistically reflect the real-world situation in education, where there is rather struggle than agreement between pupils, teachers and pupils, pupils and parents and etc. (Conflict and critical theories)
Making a conclusion on everything what has been described and discussed above, it is becoming obvious that these two serious are absolutely opposite regarding relationships between society and its members. But in terms of contemporary world and its education nowadays, I would call conflict theory is more realistic.
Works cited
“Social Structure and Education”. Western Oregon University. n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015
“Conflict and Critical Theory”. Corwin: a Sage Company. n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015
