Question

Would Durkheims theory be a conflict or consensus theory?

Answer 1

David Emile Durkheim draws an analogy between the way a biological organism works and society. The various organs of a living thing work together in order to maintain a healthy whole in much the same way that various institutions in society work together to produce social order. Consensus theory is a social theory that holds a particular political or economic system is a fair system, and that social change should take place within the social institution provided by it. Consensus theory contrasts sharply with conflict theory, which holds that social change is only achieved through conflict.