HED4809 Assignment 2
Memo (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Due July 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, An Analysis of Sociological Theories and Their Application to Social Inequality, Class
Consciousness, and Education Systems
1. Introduction (10)
The task will analyze the leading sociological theories of Conflict Theory, Functionalism, and
Marxist Theory, looking at their
fundamental concepts and application to understanding key social phenomena. These theoretical
frameworks present alternative spectacles through which to consider the intricate dynamics of
social inequality, the creation (or lack of) class consciousness, and the multifaceted place of
educational systems within society. Functionalism considers society as an integrated system of
interdependent parts working towards equilibrium, while Conflict Theory emphasizes
inherent struggles over power and the disproportionate allocation of goods that drive social
change. Marxist Theory, focusing on economic structures, class conflict, and ideology, provides
a critical examination of how capitalism structures social relations and sustains inequalities.
The importance of the theories lies in the fact that they can explain underlying mechanisms
that result in social stratification, influence people's understanding of their class position,
and decide the structure and implications of education systems. By examining these theoretical
perspectives, we can gain more insight into how social inequalities are created, reproduced,
and maybe overcome.
The objective of this exercise is to critically analyze Conflict Theory, Functionalism, and
Marxist Theory, unfolding their key principles and their application in describing social
inequality, class consciousness, and education systems. The exercise will be broken down into
the following framework:
Section 2: Body will be divided into four subsections:
Conflict Theory and Functionalism: Defining, explaining, comparing, and contrasting these
two prevailing sociological theories, underlining their accounts of education.
Marxist Theory: Explaining the basic principles of
Marxist theory, how it works within contemporary society, and its perspective regarding the role
of education as a way to maintain social hierarchies.
Class Consciousness, False Consciousness, and Hegemony: Defining
and explaining these basic Marxist and Neo-Marxist concepts and their
manifestation through schools.
A Neo-Marxist Critique of Education in Capitalist Society: Examining Neo-
Marxist criticisms of orthodox Marxism, their view of education as both a tool of the state and
a location of resistance, and an exploration of barriers to educational equality and reform,
particularly poverty.
Poverty and Problems with Functionalism: Defining poverty, poverty's impact upon education
and social performance, a critique of Functionalism's inability to fight poverty and inequality,
and assessing alternative theoretical explanations.
Section 3: Conclusion: Reiterating the major arguments, bearing in mind the limitations of each
Memo (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Due July 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, An Analysis of Sociological Theories and Their Application to Social Inequality, Class
Consciousness, and Education Systems
1. Introduction (10)
The task will analyze the leading sociological theories of Conflict Theory, Functionalism, and
Marxist Theory, looking at their
fundamental concepts and application to understanding key social phenomena. These theoretical
frameworks present alternative spectacles through which to consider the intricate dynamics of
social inequality, the creation (or lack of) class consciousness, and the multifaceted place of
educational systems within society. Functionalism considers society as an integrated system of
interdependent parts working towards equilibrium, while Conflict Theory emphasizes
inherent struggles over power and the disproportionate allocation of goods that drive social
change. Marxist Theory, focusing on economic structures, class conflict, and ideology, provides
a critical examination of how capitalism structures social relations and sustains inequalities.
The importance of the theories lies in the fact that they can explain underlying mechanisms
that result in social stratification, influence people's understanding of their class position,
and decide the structure and implications of education systems. By examining these theoretical
perspectives, we can gain more insight into how social inequalities are created, reproduced,
and maybe overcome.
The objective of this exercise is to critically analyze Conflict Theory, Functionalism, and
Marxist Theory, unfolding their key principles and their application in describing social
inequality, class consciousness, and education systems. The exercise will be broken down into
the following framework:
Section 2: Body will be divided into four subsections:
Conflict Theory and Functionalism: Defining, explaining, comparing, and contrasting these
two prevailing sociological theories, underlining their accounts of education.
Marxist Theory: Explaining the basic principles of
Marxist theory, how it works within contemporary society, and its perspective regarding the role
of education as a way to maintain social hierarchies.
Class Consciousness, False Consciousness, and Hegemony: Defining
and explaining these basic Marxist and Neo-Marxist concepts and their
manifestation through schools.
A Neo-Marxist Critique of Education in Capitalist Society: Examining Neo-
Marxist criticisms of orthodox Marxism, their view of education as both a tool of the state and
a location of resistance, and an exploration of barriers to educational equality and reform,
particularly poverty.
Poverty and Problems with Functionalism: Defining poverty, poverty's impact upon education
and social performance, a critique of Functionalism's inability to fight poverty and inequality,
and assessing alternative theoretical explanations.
Section 3: Conclusion: Reiterating the major arguments, bearing in mind the limitations of each
