Comparing Functionism, Marxism, and Social Action Theory Essay

Sociology is generally made up of three paradigms: Functionalism, Conflict Theory and Symbolic interactionism. A paradigm is a set of assumptions that shape and underlie explanations of why society is the way it is (Early Stratification Theory, internet 2003). Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim, Parsons and Merton. Functionalists believe in shared norms and values, which are influenced by the Family, Education, church and employment. It sees society as a shaper of people rather than people shaping society. The functionalist says we need social order in which to survive normally. Roles are also important to the functionalist for example the roles in marriage. The functionalist believe we as humans look at the roles played around us, for example, our parents and then we copy them. We think the pattern of life that we see is a natural one. We learn roles from our family thus the son is expected to take the role/job of his father as is the daughter expected to cook and clean akin to her mother. The role of the family is to socialise its new members and teaches them the norms and values essential to the social life, working together to make society work as a whole. The church's role according to the functionalist, plays a major role in holding society together by endowing it's agreed values and beliefs with sacredness and, through rituals, eter Worsley 1970 pg 475) Harmony, common consent, unity, unanimity and agreement are common words used by the functionalist. If we all agree to peace and goodwill, have respect for each other and stick together and follow the guidelines set down for us by our an... ...me, although I understand we need the basis of structures and economics but we also need to be able to make up our own minds and direct our own actions. BIBLIOGRAPHY Berger, P. and Kellner, H. (1981) Sociology reinterpreted. U.K. Pelican books. Class: An Introduction (internet) Available from: http://www.sociologyonline.co.uk/soc essays/class.htm accessed 29.10.03 Early Stratification Theory (internet) Available from: http://www.wise.virginia.edu/p_withen/reviews/ST/STRev/revSTO4earlystratth.html accessed 29.10.03 Weber, M. (1999) (internet) available from: http://uregina.ca/~gingrich/S30f99.htm accessed on 29.10.03 Worsley, P. (ED) (1970) The New Introducing Sociology Penguin books Middlesex impressing them upon society's members and renewing and reinforcing their attachment to them. (P