Sociology: Functionalism and Conflict Perspective

This essay analyses a case study on the basis of sociological perspectives, specifically the functionalist and conflict theory. It discusses the social condition in Canada and identifies the problems that the middle class Canadian people were suffering from.

Running Head: SOCIOLOGY
SOCIOLOGY
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There are several sociology theory that explore different angles related to the society. In
this context, the functionalist theory and the conflict perspective are very important with a
contradictory perspective. The purpose of this essay is to analyse the given case study on the
basis of sociological perspectives. For a genuine discussion the functionalist and the conflict
theory are implemented to evaluate the case study in the light of sociological understanding.
As far as the functionalist approach of sociology is concerned, it can be stated that this
idea is a conservative one advocated by Herbert Spencer and Emile Durkheim. According to this
idea it can be argued that the role of the social system is to ensure peace and harmony across the
globe (Jacobsson & Jacobsson, 2014). In this regard, it is pertinent to set a balance and social
equilibrium for all the major elements in society. As a matter of fact, the functionalist theory
believes in a social cohesion and prevalent practices that helps to shape a better and healthy
society (Ritzer & Stepnisky, 2017). Moreover, all the social elements and factors are connected
to each other and influence each other intricately. In this context, there are two types of functions
in terms of the manifest and latent. The manifest functions are resembled with the common
practises whereas the latent function recognises the hidden talents and factors that are bestowed
in a society (Hookway, 2015).
Based on this understanding, it can be asserted that the given case study also portrays a
subtle instance of the social situation. It can be stated that as per the concept of functionalist
approach it is the responsibility to take care of the children being a single mother. Moreover,
there are some social and official norms that a parent have to go through for the benefit of his or
her children. In case of the case study, it can be stated that Ms. Wong was looking for rent
houses where she could live with her children and also convenient for job location. However, the
norms compelled her to get a house where her children must have separate rooms. Despite of

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having low income, it is important for people to go with the social and legal regulations
otherwise they would be fines.
On the other hand, it can be argued that the conflict perspective also considered to be an
important aspect in the discussion of sociological concepts. This approach is primarily based on
the class struggle and differentiate the society on the basis of different interactionist perspective.
According to Aron (2017) the conflict perspective is a negative concept that emphasises on the
class struggle and divided the society into two aspects, that is, poor and rich. Karl Marx was the
father of conflict perspective in sociology. As per his ideology, it can be narrated that the conflict
perspective deals with the economic approach primarily. However, there are other layers of the
conflict perspective such as inequality in the society on the basis of religion, politics, race,
gender and ethnicity. According to Sawyer (2017) this continuous conflict of interests between
the have and have nots paves the way for a change in the society. Subsequently, in his research,
Wolf (2017) identified that the nature of conflict perspective suited the democratic principles and
has an affinity with the utilitarian ideology.
However, the case study also pointed out some conflict of interests between the
government and the business organisations and the common people. In Canada, 21% of the
workforce is underpaid. However, the situation seemed to be same in compare to other North
American and European countries as well. As per the report, it can be stated that in America 26%
of the workers were under waged and in Finland 7% were suffering with the same fate.
Therefore, it is important for the government to deal with this issue. In fact, for a single mother it
became a severe problem to run the family with high rents and living expenses. The government
did not have any measure to cope with this situation and as a matter of fact, it became a daily
problem for the middle class people to pursue a healthy and happy lifestyle.

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Based on this understanding, it can be stated that this essay is going to discuss a number
of influencing factors perturb the social cohesion in Canada. In this regard, the essay tries to
analyse the social condition on the basis of functionalist approach and the idea of conflict. Both
those concepts highlighted the social condition in Canada and cared to identify the problems that
the middle class Canadian people were suffered from. Henceforth, the essay is highly effective
and relevant enough.

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Reference
Aron, R. (2017). Main currents in sociological thought: Montesquieu, Comte, Marx, Tocqueville
and the sociologists and the revolution of 1848. Routledge.
Hookway, N. (2015). Moral decline sociology: Critiquing the legacy of Durkheim. Journal of
Sociology, 51(2), 271-284.
Jacobsson, T., & Jacobsson, S. (2014). Conceptual confusion–an analysis of the meaning of
concepts in technological innovation systems and sociological functionalism. Technology
Analysis & Strategic Management, 26(7), 811-823.
Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2017). Modern sociological theory. SAGE Publications.
Sawyer, R. K. (2017). Unresolved tensions in sociocultural theory: Analogies with contemporary
sociological debates. In Introduction to Vygotsky. 157-175.
Wolf, M. (2017). A “Performative Turn” in Translation Studies? Reflections from a sociological
perspective. TranscUlturAl: A Journal of Translation and Cultural Studies, 9(1), 27-44.