Question

Discuss the difference between how conflict perspective sociologist and functionalist perspective sociologist view politics and government. Which perspective in your opinion give the most accurate vantage point on politics and government.

Answer 1

The functionalist perspective holds that politics and government serve to enforce norms and regulate conflict. They oversee activities such as planning and directing society, meeting social needs, maintaining law and order, and managing international relations. On the other hand, the conflict perspective focuses on social inequalities and power difference within a group. This perspective posits that  conflict between groups struggling to either attain wealth and power or keep the wealth and power they had was inevitable.In my perspective, this theory gives the most accurate vantage point on politics and government because most societies are characterised by social and economic inequality created by power.