Consensus and conflict perspectives
Two major theoretical approaches: consensus theories (functionalism) emphasise shared values holding society together; conflict theories (Marxism, feminism) emphasise inequality and power creating social divisions.
Real World
The 2023 UK nursing strikes illustrate a conflict perspective: nurses acted against NHS management because of systemic pay inequality, rather than shared values holding the health system together as Parsons would predict.
Exam Focus
Structure answers around direct comparison: state what consensus theory argues, then contrast conflict theory's view on the same issue.
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