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As social problems become a growing issue which threatens the fabric of society as a whole, naturally, there are multiple theories that are used as an approach in an effort to quantify these problems, as a means to better conceptualise and break down these problems and the subsequent effects they have on society, both structurally and socially. In this particular essay the two theories that will be expanded upon are the functionalist theory and the conflict theory.

From a viewpoint intended to compare these two perspectives, both the functionalist and conflict theory and functionalist theory aim to empathise with people in regards to these social issues. The functionalist theory does this by perpetuating the notion that social problems cannot deeply be tackled due to the possibility of disrupting societal structure, and that every part of society, no matter how debilitating, otherwise serves a function towards the progression of societal systems. Furthermore, remedying social problems can only be done on a social level and no further, in order to preserve societal harmony and the people within it. Similarly, the conflict theory aims to understand the societal causes behind social issues and why they have a profound impact on people within these societies. Already-existing issues such as societal inequality, are taken in as a factor, and that these discrepancies in social standing are what lead to these problems.

In view of contrast, the functionalist theory aims to preserve societal structure while conflict theory aims to criticise and dismantle the societal causes of the same issues that both these theories are confronted with. While functionalist theory aims to look at a system, the conflict theory looks at societal imbalance and it's societal ramifications.