, HED4809
ASSIGNMENT
This assignment looks at three important sociological theories: Conflict Theory, Functionalism, and
Marxist Theory. These theories help us understand how society is organised and how people live
differently depending on their social class. They also help us understand why some people have more
power and opportunities than others, especially in education.
These theories are useful for studying social inequality, class consciousness, and how the education
system works in a capitalist society. Social inequality means that not everyone has the same chances in
life. Class consciousness is when people become aware of their social class and how it affects their lives.
These theories show us how schools can sometimes help powerful groups stay in control and keep poor
people in the same position.
The purpose of this assignment is to explain how these three theories help us understand education and
society better. First, I will explain Conflict Theory and Functionalism and how they see the role of
education. Then, I will discuss Marxist Theory and its ideas about class conflict and power. After that, I
will talk about class consciousness, false consciousness, and the idea of hegemony. Next, I will explain
Neo-Marxist views on education and how schools can be both a tool for control and a place for
resistance. I will also look at how poverty affects education and why Functionalism does not fully explain
these problems. Finally, I will give a conclusion to summarise the main points and share my own
thoughts on education and social inequality.
Conflict Theory and Functionalism
Sociology helps us understand how society works. Two important theories in sociology are Conflict
Theory and Functionalism. These theories look at society in different ways. They help us understand
social structures, such as schools, families, and governments. In this part of the assignment, I will explain
what Conflict Theory and Functionalism are, how they are different, and how each theory explains the
role of education.
Conflict Theory is a sociological approach that focuses on inequality and power. This theory says that
society is not fair and that different groups are always fighting for power and resources. According to
Karl Marx, who helped create Conflict Theory, society is divided into two main groups: the rich (called
the bourgeoisie) and the poor (called the proletariat). The rich own businesses and land, while the poor
work for them (Marx & Engels, 1848, p. 14). The theory says that these two groups are always in conflict
because the rich want to keep their power and the poor want to have better lives.
ASSIGNMENT
This assignment looks at three important sociological theories: Conflict Theory, Functionalism, and
Marxist Theory. These theories help us understand how society is organised and how people live
differently depending on their social class. They also help us understand why some people have more
power and opportunities than others, especially in education.
These theories are useful for studying social inequality, class consciousness, and how the education
system works in a capitalist society. Social inequality means that not everyone has the same chances in
life. Class consciousness is when people become aware of their social class and how it affects their lives.
These theories show us how schools can sometimes help powerful groups stay in control and keep poor
people in the same position.
The purpose of this assignment is to explain how these three theories help us understand education and
society better. First, I will explain Conflict Theory and Functionalism and how they see the role of
education. Then, I will discuss Marxist Theory and its ideas about class conflict and power. After that, I
will talk about class consciousness, false consciousness, and the idea of hegemony. Next, I will explain
Neo-Marxist views on education and how schools can be both a tool for control and a place for
resistance. I will also look at how poverty affects education and why Functionalism does not fully explain
these problems. Finally, I will give a conclusion to summarise the main points and share my own
thoughts on education and social inequality.
Conflict Theory and Functionalism
Sociology helps us understand how society works. Two important theories in sociology are Conflict
Theory and Functionalism. These theories look at society in different ways. They help us understand
social structures, such as schools, families, and governments. In this part of the assignment, I will explain
what Conflict Theory and Functionalism are, how they are different, and how each theory explains the
role of education.
Conflict Theory is a sociological approach that focuses on inequality and power. This theory says that
society is not fair and that different groups are always fighting for power and resources. According to
Karl Marx, who helped create Conflict Theory, society is divided into two main groups: the rich (called
the bourgeoisie) and the poor (called the proletariat). The rich own businesses and land, while the poor
work for them (Marx & Engels, 1848, p. 14). The theory says that these two groups are always in conflict
because the rich want to keep their power and the poor want to have better lives.
