Comparison of Theoretical Perspective

	Structural functionalism	Conflict theory	Symbolic interaction ism
Representative theorists	Emile Durkheim Talcott parsons Robert Merton	Karl Marx Ralf Dahrendort	George H. Mead Charles Cooley Erving Goffman
Society	Society is a set of interrelated parts; cultural consensus exists and leads to social order, natural state of society-balance and harmony	Society is marked by power struggles over scarce resources; inequities results in conflict, social change is inevitable natural state of society- imbalance.	Society is a network of interlocking roles, social order is constructed through interaction as individuals, through shared meaning, make sense out of their social world.
Individuals	Individuals are socialized by society institution; socialization is the process by which social control is exerted; people need society and its institution.	People are inherently good but are corrupted by society and its economic structure, institutions are controlled by groups with power, “order” is part of the illusion.	Humans are interpretive and interactive they are constantly changing as their “social beings” emerge and are molded by changing circumstances.
Cause of social problems	Rapid social change; social disorganization that disrupts the harmony and balance, inadequate socialization and or weak institutions.	Inequality, the dominance of groups of people over other groups of people oppression and exploitation; completion between groups.	Different interpretations of roles; labeling of individuals, groups or behaviors as deviant definition of an objective condition as a social problems
Social policy/ solutions	Repair weak institutions; assure proper socialization cultivate a strong collective sense of right and wrong.	Minimize completion crate an equitable system for the distribution of resources.	Reduce impact of labeling and associated stigmatization after definitions of what is defined as a social problem.
Criticism	Called “sunshine sociology” supports the maintenance of the status quo; needs to ask “functional for whom?” does not deal with issues of power and conflict; incorrectly assumes a consensus.	Utopian model; Marxist states have failed; denies existence of cooperation and equitable exchange; cannot explain cohesion and harmony