Class Activity 2

Compare and contrast two theoretical approaches to social problems.

The two theoretical approaches to social problems that I will be comparing and contrasting are structural functionalist approach and conflict approach. The structural functionalist approach’s main focus is the threat to the society. Social problems are caused by society failing to execute their functions accordingly. Whereas the conflict approach’s main focus is the contribution to social conflict. Social problems are caused by the exploitive nature of capitalism (bourgeoisie).

The structural functionalist approach view society as stable and balance, which means it is in a state of dynamic equilibrium, whereas the conflict approach view society as always in conflict and continuously changing.

In the structural functionalist approach, all parts of the society depend on each other to bring stability while in the conflict approach the groups in the society fight over valued and scarce resources.

While in the structural functionalist approach the social problems serve an important function by ensuring that all parties are performing their function, the conflict approach the fundamental faults in the society are caused by the social problems.