Sign up to access the complete lesson and track your progress!
Unlock This CourseSociology helps us understand how society works through different perspectives. Two of the most important approaches are conflict theory and consensus theory. These theories give us different ways to look at the same social issues.
Key Definitions:
Developed by Karl Marx, conflict theory focuses on the tensions between social groups. It argues that powerful groups use their influence to maintain their privileged position at the expense of others. Conflict theorists see inequality as built into the structure of society.
Also known as functionalism, this theory was developed by sociologists like Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons. It suggests that society functions like a body, with each part working together for stability. Social institutions exist because they serve important functions.
These theories aren't just academic ideas - they help explain real situations in today's world. Let's look at how they apply to modern issues:
Education is a perfect example of how these theories offer different interpretations of the same institution:
Conflict theorists argue that schools reproduce inequality. They point to differences in funding between schools in wealthy and poor areas. Private schools give advantages to already privileged children. The hidden curriculum teaches working-class children to accept authority and their position in society.
Example: A study showing how students from wealthy backgrounds are more likely to attend university, regardless of academic ability.
Functionalists see education as preparing young people for their future roles in society. Schools teach shared values, provide equal opportunities and help identify talented individuals regardless of background. Education benefits society by creating skilled workers.
Example: Free schooling and scholarship programmes designed to help talented students from all backgrounds succeed.
The COVID-19 pandemic provides a fascinating case study for both theories:
Conflict perspective: The pandemic exposed and worsened existing inequalities. Those in lower-paid jobs often couldn't work from home and faced greater exposure. Wealthy countries secured vaccines first, while poorer nations waited.
Consensus perspective: The pandemic showed society coming together for the common good. Many people followed lockdown rules to protect others, healthcare workers were celebrated as heroes and communities organised support networks for vulnerable people.
Healthcare is another area where these theories offer different insights:
Conflict theorists point to unequal access to healthcare based on wealth, class and geography. They highlight how pharmaceutical companies profit from illness and how the best treatment is often available only to those who can pay for it.
Example: In the US, people without insurance often receive lower quality care or avoid seeking treatment due to costs.
Functionalists see healthcare systems as institutions that maintain social stability by keeping the population healthy. They point to public health initiatives and the NHS in the UK as examples of society working together for the common good.
Example: The NHS provides universal healthcare based on need rather than ability to pay.
Modern technology and social media platforms provide new areas for applying these sociological theories:
Social media companies exploit users' data for profit. The digital divide means some groups have less access to technology. Online spaces reproduce offline power structures and inequalities.
Technology connects people and creates communities. Social media allows for the sharing of knowledge and collective action. Digital platforms can give voice to previously marginalised groups.
Most sociologists now recognise that elements of both theories are needed to fully understand technology's role in society. Technology both connects and divides, empowers and exploits.
Climate change activism demonstrates both theories in action:
Conflict perspective: Environmental activists like Extinction Rebellion highlight how powerful corporations and governments prioritise profit over planet. They point to how climate change disproportionately affects poorer countries that contributed least to the problem.
Consensus perspective: Climate action also shows society working together toward common goals. International agreements like the Paris Climate Accord represent shared values and cooperation. Community initiatives like local recycling schemes show collective action.
The workplace and economic systems are key areas where these theories provide different insights:
Conflict theorists see the workplace as a site of exploitation where owners extract maximum profit from workers' labour. They point to growing wealth inequality, the gig economy's insecure work and how automation benefits company owners while threatening workers' jobs.
Example: Amazon warehouse workers reporting difficult working conditions while the company's founder became one of the world's richest people.
Functionalists see the economy as a system where different roles are rewarded based on their importance to society. They argue that inequality motivates people to work hard and gain skills. Companies and workers cooperate for mutual benefit.
Example: Companies offering profit-sharing schemes, employee benefits and career development to create loyal workforces.
Most contemporary sociologists don't strictly follow just one theory. Instead, they use elements of both to understand complex social issues. This combined approach recognises that:
For your iGCSE Sociology, it's important to be able to apply both perspectives to any social issue. This shows your ability to think critically and see different sides of complex problems.
When answering exam questions about these theories: