Sociology Theory-Functionalism, Conflict theory,Cultural Theories,Postmodernism

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10 June 2009

Sociology - Functionalism , Conflict Theory , Cultural Theories Postmodernism

Introduction

A wealth of books has been created to discuss the most controversial social issues , of which inequality seems to be the most complex and the most important . Different theorists chose different perspectives to emphasize different elements of social inequality . Unfortunately , for a long time sociologists tended to believe that the issue inequality could be successfully limited to conflict and functionalist perspectives as a result , numerous aspects of inequality and

its impact on society remained unresolved . Now , with the advent of the new sociological science and with the development of new sociological theories , the concept of inequality has acquired multiple new meanings , and reviewing its basic tenets through the prism of functionalism , conflict interactionism , and cultural theories is necessary to create a holistic picture of inequality , as well as to understand the place it currently occupies in the major societal structures

It is difficult to deny the fact that our society functions as a large organic system that comprises multiple elements , which altogether produce positive or negative impacts on the system as a whole . The integration of various elements into this organic system is expected to guarantee the stability of society and its major functions , as well as to provide society with another chance for survival . All these concepts and assumptions are the results of the hard theoretical work by Emile Durkheim , who is fairly regarded as the founder of sociological functionalism . For...