Comparison of Spencer and Marx's Theory of Society

Comparison of Spencer and Marx's Theory of Society

Comparison of Spencer and Marx's Theory of Society

Introduction

The term, "sociology", meaning the study of society was given to this new science by the man. He suggested applying the scientific method, known as positivism, to society. Herbert Spencer is referred as the second founder of sociology. Unlike Comte, he thinks that sociology should not influence social reform. He thinks that the evolution of society should be left to improve on its own. He called this principle "the survival of the fittest." He believes that when the less capable people die out, society improves over time. Karl Marx is known as one of the greatest modern thinkers of his time. He believes that class conflict is the source of human history. He suggests that the bourgeoisie and the proletariat are in constant conflict and this conflict can only end when the people of the working class unite, and the results will be a classless society.

Marx and Spencer Comparison theory of society

Functionalism is a system used by cultures which concentrates on and emphasizes the functional interactions of cultures and societies, i.e. why and how certain rituals, daily chores etc. are performed within societies. It makes "law-like" generalizations which are employed to explain and predict social phenomena. The first main idea is that each culture or society can be viewed as a system that consists of many similar elements that function either separately or together.

The other main idea, the Malinowskian view, is that all of the aspects, such as rituals, ceremonies etc. of a society or culture are performed because they are required to fulfill the biological and/or psychological needs of the individuals of that society. For example, hunting and gathering is performed in some cultures to fulfill the biological need of eating for the individuals of that society.

The theory of cultural relativism can be used to explain why the functionalist theory is applied to certain societies- the activities that they perform are done so because they are regarded as important and necessary according to the different values of each society. If we combine these two ideas, we are able to see that both the Functionalist and cultural relativist theories centered around the fact that the people of societies perform their activities and behave in the ways that they do because these actions and thoughts correspond and are considered to be right and acceptable in terms of the values of the society.

Functionalism says that: - All elements within a society interconnect and work together - If one dynamic is changed, it will alter the whole of society - Society will change to accommodate this change. - Everything has a specific function in society - Society will always function in harmony, as it will accommodate change, by changing itself.

Problems with Functionalism - Not all elements within a society interconnect. - Because it argues that society itself changes to accommodate new dynamics, it fails to provide an explanation ...