CONSENSUS v. CONFLICT

Possible Question Evaluate the similarities and differences between Consensus and Conflict Theories of Society (20 marks)

Similarities An example CONSENSUS - FUNCTIONALISM CONFLICT - MARXISM/FEMINISM Relationship to the social structure -determines the behaviour of the individual– all parts of society must work together for the ‘good of the whole’ Merton sees this as the attainment of societal goals by socially accepted means… Relationship to the social structure -determines the behaviour of the individual whether a member of the bourgeoisie / proletariat or male/female Bowles and Gintis – education produces workers workers who are obedient and hard-working.

Socialisation - through this process people are taught to internalise society’s norms and values thereby ensuring conformity to the conscience collective Socialisation – members of society accept their place in society as part of either the bourgeoisie (the dominant group) or the proletariat (the subordinate group) (M) Women socialised to be inferior to men (F) Macro Theory – focuses on a large scale analysis of the social structure and how parts of society work together to ensure its stability Macro Theory – (M) that centres on a large scale analysis of how society is based on a conflict of interests between classes of unequal power and wealth Men and Women (F) Methodology - Positivism Methodology – Positivism for Marxists and some Feminists

Micro Sociology -Not interested in meanings and motives behind behaviour Social Order - social order in society should be maintained, based upon the accepted norms, values, roles or regulations that are accepted by the society in general. Micro Sociology- Not interested in meanings and motives behind behaviour (M). (Not the case for Feminism, concerned with Women’s experiences at home, work etc) Social Order - emphasizes that the order in society are based upon the manipulation and control by any dominant groups

DIFFERENCES CONSENSUS CONFLICT There is a value consensus (agreement) in society which ensures that it is harmonious and based on a status quo There is a conflict in society between social classes of unequal power and wealth (M) Social Change – society should be stable and any change would be gradual Social Change – (M) there should be sudden revolutionary change to overthrow the bourgeoisie

Consensus theories fail to recognise exploitation and division in society Conflict theories see exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie in their desire for greater profit. Views of the Social Structure – the division of social class is a necessity. It ensures everyone in society motivated to improve and hence, society will still be able to function properly. View of the Social Structure -social stratification is another way that the ruling class keep their power by allocating individuals to the working class

Functions in Society – Consensus theories see many institutions as having positive functions. E.g. Education is essential to maintain the modern workforce. Functions in Society – Conflict theories see institutions as having negative functions in society. E.g education works to reproduce social inequalities.

Plan an answer to the question CONSOLIDATE Plan an answer to the question Evaluate the usefulness of using consensus theories in understanding of society? (20 marks)