functionalists and conflict theory

Write a 4-5 page, double-spaced paper, with 1-inch margins, in response to the following prompt. This is an essay which means you should NOT number your responses. A bibliography is not necessary. But make sure it’s clear which sources you are using in your paper. Do not use material or sources outside of class.

Discuss the Functionalists’ arguments for: 1) explaining why there is economic inequality in society, and 2) the function of education in society.

Then, critique the Functionalists’ arguments using Conflict Theory. Include: 1) the ways in which Conflict Theorists’ explanations for economic inequality differ from the Functionalists, and 2) the ways in which the Conflict Theorists’ arguments about the role of education in society differ from the Functionalists.

Be sure to use examples to help you explain both theories. Your paper must have a total of four sources that you’re using as examples (see below). The Parsons, Turner, and Bowles & Gintis readings do not count as sources. You can use them but they don’t count as part of the four sources.

• You must use the Wilcox article and Lareau book as two sources for examples. Be specific in your discussion of the research by Wilcox and Lareau, which means both summarizing their work and using direct quotes. For all direct quotes, you must explain the meaning in your own words (do not assume we know how you’re using the quotes). Proper citation rules apply for direct quotes – for example, in parentheses (author’s last name, year published, page number).
• You must also use examples from two additional sources. You can draw from examples given in lecture, your investigative assignment, videos shown in class, other class readings, and your own personal experiences.

An “A” paper is one that accurately discusses all the main points by the Functionalists and Conflict Theorists in response to the above prompt, uses appropriate examples from four sources to support the discussion of both theories, and is clear and coherent.