How do structural-functionalist, conflict and interactionist theories differ in their conceptualization of social inequalities?

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Table of Contents
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................2
How do structural-functionalist, conflict and interactionist theories differ in their
conceptualization of social inequalities? ...................................................................................2
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5
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MAIN BODY
How do structural-functionalist, conflict and interactionist theories differ in their
conceptualization of social inequalities?
Structural functionalism: it is a framework which is based on building theory and seeks
society as a complex system whose part work together so that stability and solidarity can exist.
This is a broad concept in which society is been shaped as a whole. It consists of thoughts,
values, norms, relationships that together makes a society and serves better purpose. According
to this theory the inequality and stratification is been determined as inevitable in nature. The
society has many layers and they are being designed as pyramid. In this inequality makes sure
that important jobs are been filled up by the most qualified people. The layering is being done in
order to ensure that best people are at placed at top and those who do not possess better abilities
are been placed down. Structural-functionalism emphasized the formal ordering of parts and
their functional interrelations as contributing to the maintenance needs of a structured social
system. A democratic society is just if it enables equality of opportunity. In this the individuals
are being rewarded for their talent and abilities. According to this theory a democratic society is
been involved in providing equality and equal opportunities to people so that they can also be
placed above in pyramid. There are also several critiques which has been done on the theory of
functionalism. This theory also provides that although there are inequality equal educational
opportunities will reduce it down. In this individual are been rewarded for their skills and talent
and not for their caste or gender (Nuccetelli, 2018). This theory also provides that better
opportunities are given to those who are at top positions because of this inequality exists in
society. Functionalism also tends to provide solutions to social and educational problem. Talent
and hard work provides a position to individual in society.
Conflict theory:
In the conflict theory, was first purported by the Karl Marx, is the theory which states
society in the state of perpetual conflicts due to competition for the limited resources. The
conflict theory hold that social order could be maintained by power and domination. As per this
theory, those who are having power and wealth tries to hold on by any of the means possible,
mainly by suppressing powerless and poor. Basic principles of the conflict theory has provided
that groups and individuals within society works for maximising the own benefits.
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