Conflict Theory Is Imperative For A Society To Maintain Social Order

Maintaining social order is imperative for a society to function. Conflict theory stresses the role of bullying and power in producing social order. The people in power use social, political, and economic power to dominate others. This causes inequality and power struggles as people compete for resources. Functionalists feel that people should all work together and cooperate for the good of the people thus avoiding social change. This promotes stability in a society. B. In regards to social inequality, the functionalist view believes that social inequality is essential because it fulfills vital system needs and ensures the smooth working of society (Functionalist, n.d.). Since not all jobs or positions are equal, people must be rewarded
in order to be motivated to accept certain positions and perform the duties associated with it. Unequal distribution of rewards, or stratification, guarantees that the most talented and trained individuals will fulfill the most important social roles (Functionalist, n.d.). Conflict theory views life as a competition for resources. The wealthy and powerful use their resources to keep the disadvantaged and poor powerless and disenfranchised. The poor work harder in an attempt to get ahead. The functionalist theory emphasizes stability and consistency while conflict theory emphasizes change and competition which drives social change. These two theories give us different perspectives with which to view, explain, and predict our social world.