Functionalism vs. Marxism — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
Functionalism views society as a complex system striving for equilibrium, emphasizing the interdependence of its parts, whereas Marxism focuses on class conflict and economic inequalities, advocating for a classless society.
Difference Between Functionalism and Marxism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Functionalism, a theoretical framework in sociology, posits that society is a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and social order. It emphasizes the role of social institutions in fulfilling societal needs, such as education for socializing the young and laws to regulate behavior. On the other hand, Marxism, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, critiques capitalist societies, highlighting the struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of production) and the proletariat (workers), asserting that this class conflict drives societal changes and could lead to the overthrow of capitalism in favor of a classless society.
In functionalism, each part of society is considered essential for the functioning of the whole. For example, the economy provides the resources people need to live, while the family nurtures and socializes children. Whereas Marxism views societal elements through the lens of class struggle, with institutions like the state and education system seen as tools of the bourgeoisie to maintain their dominance and suppress the proletariat.
Functionalists argue that social inequality is necessary and beneficial to society, as it ensures that the most qualified individuals fill the most important roles. In contrast, Marxists see inequality as the root of social issues, perpetuated by capitalist exploitation of labor, leading to alienation and class antagonism.
While functionalism suggests that societal change is gradual and results from the system's need to adapt, Marxism advocates for revolutionary change as the means to resolve class conflicts and dismantle capitalist structures, aiming for a society where resources are distributed based on need.
The concept of value is also viewed differently. Functionalism does not specifically address the economic valuation of labor, focusing instead on the importance of consensus and the contributions of various institutions to societal stability. Marxism, however, centers on the labor theory of value, asserting that the exploitation of workers' labor is the foundation of profit and capitalist inequality.
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Comparison Chart
Key Focus
Stability and equilibrium in society
Class conflict and economic inequalities
View on Society
A complex system with interdependent parts
Divided into classes with conflicting interests
Approach to Social Institutions
Institutions serve to maintain social order
Institutions perpetuate class dominance and inequality
Perspective on Change
Gradual adaptation and evolution
Revolutionary overthrow of capitalist systems
Stance on Inequality
Necessary for societal function
Root cause of societal issues
Compare with Definitions
Functionalism
Emphasizes the importance of social institutions in maintaining order.
The legal system regulates behavior to prevent chaos.
Marxism
Emphasizes the role of labor in creating value.
Capitalist profits are made by paying workers less than the value of their work.
Functionalism
Suggests social change is a result of the system adapting.
Changes in family structures adapt to economic shifts.
Marxism
A theory critiquing the class divisions and exploitation in capitalism.
Workers sell their labor but don't own the means of production.
Functionalism
A perspective that sees society as a system of interrelated parts working together.
Schools function to educate and socialize individuals.
Marxism
Advocates for the abolition of private property to end class conflict.
A socialist society would distribute resources based on need.
Functionalism
Views social practices as necessary for societal stability.
Religious rituals foster community cohesion.
Marxism
Views history as a series of class struggles.
The French Revolution was a conflict between the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy.
Functionalism
Considers inequality as functionally necessary.
Job specialization requires different levels of reward.
Marxism
Highlights the economic base of society as the foundation for all social structures.
The state serves the interests of the ruling class.
Functionalism
The doctrine that the function of an object should determine its design and materials.
Marxism
Marxism is a method of socioeconomic analysis that uses a materialist interpretation of historical development, better known as historical materialism, to understand class relations and social conflict as well as a dialectical perspective to view social transformation. It originates from the works of 19th-century German philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Functionalism
A doctrine stressing purpose, practicality, and utility.
Marxism
The political and economic philosophy of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in which the concept of class struggle plays a central role in understanding society's allegedly inevitable development from bourgeois oppression under capitalism to a socialist and ultimately classless society.
Functionalism
(Philosophy) The doctrine in the philosophy of mind according to which mental states are defined by their causes and effects.
Marxism
Alternative case form of Marxism
Functionalism
(architecture) A doctrine, in several fields, that the function of something should be reflected in its design and the materials used in its construction.
Marxism
A system of economic and political thought, originated by Karl Marx, and elaborated by others. It holds that the state has been the a device for suppression of the masses, allowing exploitation by a dominant (capitalistic) class; that historical change occurs through class struggle; and that the capitalist system will inevitably wither away to be superseded by a classless society.
Functionalism
(philosophy) The definition of mental states in terms of their causes and effects.
Marxism
The economic and political theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that hold that human actions and institutions are economically determined and that class struggle is needed to create historical change and that capitalism will untimately be superseded by communism
Functionalism
(social science) The idea that social and cultural cohesion are a function of the interdependence and interactions of the institutions of a society.
Functionalism
(psychology) A general school of thought that considers psychological phenomena in terms of their role in adaptation to the person's environment.
Functionalism
(linguistics) functional linguistics
Functionalism
A psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment.
Functionalism
Any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose.
Functionalism
A psychology based on the assumption that all mental process are useful to an organism in adapting to the environment
Functionalism
Any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose
Common Curiosities
How do Functionalists view social institutions?
Functionalists see social institutions as essential components that work together to maintain social order and stability.
How do both theories view social change?
Functionalism sees change as a slow, adaptive process, while Marxism advocates for revolutionary change to resolve class conflicts.
Can Marxism and Functionalism be reconciled?
While both offer insights into societal dynamics, their foundational assumptions and solutions to social issues are fundamentally opposed.
What is the main difference between Functionalism and Marxism?
Functionalism focuses on social stability and the interdependence of societal components, whereas Marxism emphasizes class conflict and economic exploitation.
What does Marxism say about capitalism?
Marxism criticizes capitalism as a system that exploits workers, leading to class conflict and inequality.
What is the role of inequality according to Functionalists?
Inequality is seen as necessary to motivate individuals to fill and excel in societal roles that are crucial for the maintenance of social order.
Do Functionalists ignore conflict?
Functionalists don’t ignore conflict but see it as a part of the social processes that contribute to the stability and adaptation of society.
What is the Marxist view on the state?
Marxists see the state as an instrument of class oppression, serving the interests of the ruling class at the expense of the proletariat.
How does Functionalism address societal problems?
It suggests that societal problems are issues of adaptation and that solutions lie in strengthening the social institutions and practices that promote order.
How does Functionalism explain social cohesion?
Social cohesion is maintained through the shared values, norms, and practices that individuals adopt from social institutions like family and education.
Why does Marxism focus on class struggle?
Marxism views class struggle as the driving force behind historical and societal change, believing it will ultimately lead to a classless society.
What is the significance of the labor theory of value in Marxism?
It underpins the Marxist critique of capitalism, arguing that labor is the source of all value and that exploitation of labor is the basis of profit.
What would a Marxist society look like?
A Marxist society would be classless, with no private ownership of the means of production, aiming for an equitable distribution of resources.
What role do beliefs play in Functionalism?
Beliefs are central to Functionalism, as they are seen as part of the social consensus that binds society together.
Why is revolution a key concept in Marxism?
Revolution is seen as necessary to overthrow the capitalist system and end class division, leading to a society based on communal ownership and equality.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
