These two theoretical approaches are not that much contrast from each other. The structural functionalist orientation uses a large or broad level of orientation. The structural functionalist theory views the society as the structure with connected parts that are created to meet the social needs of individuals from that society. The conflict orientation theory points out that there are unequal groups in the society and that those groups have different and conflicting values, agendas and norms and other factors that cause them to compete against each other. Comparing the two; in the conflict orientation theory the society characterised by common (or pervasive) inequality that is based on the social classes, race, gender, and many other factors. While in the structural functionalist orientation the society is viewed as the system of related parts in the dynamic equilibrium, because if one part changes too fast then the whole system will be disrupted. 

In contrast, in the structural functionalist orientation theory the society's social institutions perform important functions to help insure social stability. In the conflict orientation theory the dominant and subordinates group end up in conflict for valued and scarce resources, and reflect and reinforce inequalities based on social classes, race, gender, etc. While in the structural functionalist view the social problems weakens a society's stability but do not reflect fundamental faults in how the society is structured.