Rachel Cater
SOC 215
1/12/2018
DB #1
While structural functionalism asks why, asks is this good for survival, conflict theory asks how
can I shake this up? How can I turn it on its head? Conflict theory relies on internal struggle for power or
equality. Structural functionalism turns to the pillars of society to provide structure to everyday life.
Speaking in a family sense, structural functionalism speaks to the harmony between man and
woman, and the idyllic ideal that one provides a service that the other cannot encompass. This harmony
between man and woman, in turn provides the ultimate stability for a heteronormative nuclear family
unit. How the breadwinner family unit could thrive within the philosophy of structural functionalism is
honestly, quite obvious. Cohen (2014) notes how Talcott Parsons treated the fifties as if it were a golden
age. He states he didn’t foresee change, nor the need for it (Cohen, 2014, p.17).
My opinion on how the conflict perspective spurred about the breadwinner Homemaker
household could be considered obscure, however, I believe it has merit. Intertwining family and Marxist
theory, there is really no feasible way you can stop people from pairing off. The conflict theories need
for constant internal change calls about a large task from the working force in the home. This in turn
causes a need from within the home for maintenance, love, and care. Perhaps there is even a situation
where the mother would work, except, who would watch all these children?
