Conflict theorists view the society as an entity that is dynamic or an organization that is constantly undergoing change because of competition over scarce resources. The situation of scarce resources in the society creates social problems. The argument about the conflict perspective of social problems was heavily derived from Karl Marx’s ideas.
According to Marx, the society is an entity that constantly undergoes change strongly motivated by class conflict. Class conflict is fueled largely by class interest. For a certain class to champion for its interest, it must struggle with another opposite class that has the same interest. Marx’s sentiments about conflict reflected on the situation in the modern society. He postulated that the class struggle in the modern society was majorly based on individual factories. It led to the emergence of capitalism and the disparity between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. In summary, just like conflict theorists, Marx believed that social problems were resultant from conflicts that majorly arose from class struggle in the society. On the other hand, value conflict theorists viewed social problems as conditions that are not compatible with values of the society. Social problems occur when there is competition between groups of different values (Rummel, 54).
The functionalist perspective view social institutions as collective means that help people meet their social or individual needs. The main argument about social problems from functionalists is that societies or social institutions are always changing. The failure for these institutions to adapt successfully to change brings forth social problems. Each segment of the society is interconnected and performs a role in the society. When each part of the society plays its role, there exists elements of performance, equilibrium, and order. To maintain these elements of status in the society, there is need for different segments of the society to adapt to change. Failure to that leads to social problems (Rummel, 96).
Work Cited
Rummel, R J. Understanding Conflict and War: Vol. 6. Beverly Hills: Sage, 2006. Print.
