They have existed for a long time and they will always continue to exist well into the future. Social Facts are general features that we see in all societies throughout the world, such as: laws, customs, morals, and beliefs. So, structural functionalists view social institutions as very important because they all serve a purpose in keeping society running smoothly. So, a car - like society - is a collection of very important parts that work together to create movement and progress in a balanced (or harmonious) way. Without wheels, the car couldn’t be driven, etc. This is totally correct since the body of the car is the container that holds everything together! But, without the motor or the engine, the car would not move. Let’s use an analogy of a car to illustrate the interconnectedness of the parts or, social institutions in society (and why it’s important to have equilibrium (definition:a state of balance). When you look at a car, you might initially notice the outside or the body of the car. Essentially, the different groups or social institutions interact to keep society in harmony and balance, and to meet everyone’s needs.
![structural functionalism difference from conflict theory structural functionalism difference from conflict theory](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/17/35/9b/17359bba1dd834f856c1b2b3cba53807.png)
Every group has a specific purpose and plays a role in helping to keep society stable and running smoothly – or, in a state of equilibrium. All of the parts are all important and interact with each other. Structural Functionalists think that society (and the world) is made up of different and interconnected parts or groups. If you would prefer to watch or listen to a video that explains Structural Functionalism, watch this Functionalism video.
![structural functionalism difference from conflict theory structural functionalism difference from conflict theory](https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/gD08CRUe5dzUkXcqtF6axBWwU4c=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TC_3026622-conflict-theory-5ad63b75a474be0036ab1069.png)
SCHOOL OF THOUGHT: Structural Functionalism As such, these theories guide the sociologist when examining sociological phenomena rather than providing absolute answers.DESCRIPTION OF INTERACTIVE School of Thought Focus of Study - “What holds society together?” Similarly, not all sociological phenomena can be explained through class conflict over resources. While each theory has merit, they also have broad application issues such as symbolic-interaction theory’s focus on individuals which overlooks vital group dynamics. This theory looks strictly at micro level forces mainly pertaining to the individual. Symbolic-Interaction theory posits that everyday interactions and individual experiences with other people and groups create the motivations for behavior and the manner in which society is constructed. Conflict theory explains social behavior in terms of macro level concepts but it can be viewed at a micro level also when looking at behavior. This class conflict also inspires people to act in certain ways towards one another such as stratifying groups in order to maintain control of resources.
![structural functionalism difference from conflict theory structural functionalism difference from conflict theory](https://d20ohkaloyme4g.cloudfront.net/img/document_thumbnails/15f1e63adf60e242c9b4d9ff244d55d8/thumb_1200_1553.png)
For example, a lack of resources such as oil creates class differences due to the fact that the class that controls the oil will control more wealth. In contrast to structural functionalism, conflict theory explains society in terms of economic factors such as scarcity of resources.
![structural functionalism difference from conflict theory structural functionalism difference from conflict theory](https://i0.wp.com/revisesociology.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/The-Functionalist-Perspective-on-Religion_2.png)
social class maintains a division of labor that is needed to make society operate properly. Within this framework, one can explain concepts such as social class in terms of their function i.e. Society operates in an orderly and stable manner at a macro level. Structural functionalism is a concept founded in the idea that society attempts to create stability and order. Each of these theories explains social interaction from a different viewpoints and despite almost contradictory differences in explanation, each theory provides a logical assumption for the manner for the underlying motivations that causes society's functions either at the macro, micro, or both levels. The major theoretical perspectives in sociology include Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interaction Theory.