Sociological theories are descriptions of how society functions or models of how a society could function. Two sociological theories used to explain how the structure of society influences behaviour are, Conflict Theory and Functionalism.

CONFLICT THEORY

The original conflict theorist was Karl Marx. He wrote extensively on the subject and collaborated with others, notably Frederick Engels, to produce major works on the structure and preferred structure of society.

Marx believed that any system of government is a result of society's class structure. The ruling class in any society is made up of those who own property and thus, the means of production, which is the way a society looks after it material needs.

The underclass is a permanent feature in society - Marx called it the proletariat. The underclass consists of those who don't own property or a means of production - the labourers and those people who are unable to produce large quantities of goods. The proletariat is constantly exploited by the ruling class (bourgeoisie/bureaucrats) to produce more and heighten the social standing of the boss. Thus, society is in a constant state of conflict as the underclass try to better their lot.

As the economy booms, the underclass grows accordingly. Marx believed you couldn't have one without the other. However, he also said that as the haves and the have nots are in constant conflict, the underclass must rise up and overthrow the bureaucrats. It could be difficult for both systems to operate.

Marx believed that people's values are formed by the structure of society they live in. If you live in a society with an economic base you will value work and money and what that brings.

FUNCTIONALISM

Functionalism has been described by Herbert Spencer (1820 - 1903), A. R. Radcliffe-Brown (1881 - 1955), Emile Durkheim (1858 - 1917) and Talcott Parsons (1902 - 1979) amongst others. The theory has at its base several key parts:

The interdependence of all parts of society is required for society to operate as a whole
There is always balance and equilibrium. A bit like the cause and effect proposal in physics and psychology
There is a consensus of belief and behaviour. There are social norms and upholding the social norms is a function of society. Within this type of societal model, anyone who upsets the norms has to be removed to recreate balance - that is, criminals are taken away to prison - removed from mainstream society
A change in one

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