Sociology theory might seem like a maze of complicated names...
Sociology493 views·Updated 6 Sept 2026·2 pagesComparing Functionalist and Marxist Perspectives on Family
A
Ashleigh Heslington@shleigheslington_itkn
1
of 2
Functionalism: Society as a Well-Oiled Machine
Ever wondered why society doesn't just fall apart? Functionalists reckon it's because every part of society works together like organs in a body - this is called the organic analogy.
Parsons came up with some pretty controversial ideas about gender roles. His Biological Sex Role Theory suggests men and women have different jobs based on their biology - women as caregivers, men as breadwinners. He also created the Warm Bath Theory, which claims the family acts like a relaxing bath for men after work (yes, it sounds as outdated as it is!). The theory also distinguishes between particularistic values (family-specific rules) and universal ones.
Durkheim believed sociology should be scientific and focus on social facts. He saw education as a mini-society that teaches us specialist skills and helps maintain our collective conscience - basically, shared values that keep society together. He identified two problems: anomie (when society lacks clear rules) and egoism (excessive individualism). Surprisingly, he argued crime is actually beneficial and necessary for society.
Merton wasn't buying into functionalism completely. He criticised other functionalists for being too optimistic, pointing out that not everything in society actually works perfectly. His Strain Theory explains five ways people respond to pressure: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
Key Point: Functionalists see society like a human body - when all parts work together properly, everything runs smoothly.
2
of 2
Marxism: It's All About Class Conflict
Think capitalism is fair? Marx would strongly disagree! His ideas in The Communist Manifesto explain how the economic system creates massive inequality between the bourgeoisie (wealthy owners) and the proletariat (working class).
Marx identified a key pattern in capitalism: M1 → C → M2 (Money → Commodity → More Money). Business owners use their money to create products cheaply, then sell them for profit. This surplus value - the difference between production costs and selling price - is where exploitation happens. Meanwhile, workers get stuck in a cycle of C1 → M → C2, just earning enough to buy what they need.
But why don't workers revolt? Marx explained three reasons: false class consciousness (not realising you're being exploited), alienation (feeling disconnected from your work), and commodity fetishism (wanting stuff you don't really need). This leads to polarisation - the rich getting richer whilst the poor get poorer.
Althusser developed structural Marxism, arguing that capitalism controls us through ideological state apparatus (like media and education) and repressive state apparatus (police and military). Gramsci introduced neo-Marxism, focusing on hegemony (dominant ideology) and how working-class counter-hegemony can challenge it. He believed organic intellectuals from within oppressed groups could lead change.
Reality Check: Next time you see an expensive advert for something you suddenly "need," remember Marx's commodity fetishism theory!
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Sociology493 views·Updated 6 Sept 2026·2 pagesComparing Functionalist and Marxist Perspectives on Family
A
Ashleigh Heslington@shleigheslington_itkn
Sociology theory might seem like a maze of complicated names and ideas, but it's actually about understanding how society works and why people behave the way they do. These theories help explain everything from why your family operates the way...
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of 2
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Functionalism: Society as a Well-Oiled Machine
Ever wondered why society doesn't just fall apart? Functionalists reckon it's because every part of society works together like organs in a body - this is called the organic analogy.
Parsons came up with some pretty controversial ideas about gender roles. His Biological Sex Role Theory suggests men and women have different jobs based on their biology - women as caregivers, men as breadwinners. He also created the Warm Bath Theory, which claims the family acts like a relaxing bath for men after work (yes, it sounds as outdated as it is!). The theory also distinguishes between particularistic values (family-specific rules) and universal ones.
Durkheim believed sociology should be scientific and focus on social facts. He saw education as a mini-society that teaches us specialist skills and helps maintain our collective conscience - basically, shared values that keep society together. He identified two problems: anomie (when society lacks clear rules) and egoism (excessive individualism). Surprisingly, he argued crime is actually beneficial and necessary for society.
Merton wasn't buying into functionalism completely. He criticised other functionalists for being too optimistic, pointing out that not everything in society actually works perfectly. His Strain Theory explains five ways people respond to pressure: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
Key Point: Functionalists see society like a human body - when all parts work together properly, everything runs smoothly.
2
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Marxism: It's All About Class Conflict
Think capitalism is fair? Marx would strongly disagree! His ideas in The Communist Manifesto explain how the economic system creates massive inequality between the bourgeoisie (wealthy owners) and the proletariat (working class).
Marx identified a key pattern in capitalism: M1 → C → M2 (Money → Commodity → More Money). Business owners use their money to create products cheaply, then sell them for profit. This surplus value - the difference between production costs and selling price - is where exploitation happens. Meanwhile, workers get stuck in a cycle of C1 → M → C2, just earning enough to buy what they need.
But why don't workers revolt? Marx explained three reasons: false class consciousness (not realising you're being exploited), alienation (feeling disconnected from your work), and commodity fetishism (wanting stuff you don't really need). This leads to polarisation - the rich getting richer whilst the poor get poorer.
Althusser developed structural Marxism, arguing that capitalism controls us through ideological state apparatus (like media and education) and repressive state apparatus (police and military). Gramsci introduced neo-Marxism, focusing on hegemony (dominant ideology) and how working-class counter-hegemony can challenge it. He believed organic intellectuals from within oppressed groups could lead change.
Reality Check: Next time you see an expensive advert for something you suddenly "need," remember Marx's commodity fetishism theory!
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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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