Functionalism and Marxism are traced back to theories adopted by sociologists in the nineteenth century. Marxism came from the German philosopher Karl Marx (1818-1883), whereas Functionalism was originally derived by Auguste Compte (1798-1857). It was then developed further by Emile Durkheim (1858-1917). Functionalist theories portray society as a structured system, which have a set of interconnected parts (or units) which together form a whole. These units are the institutions within society such as the family, …
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…although functionalism and Marxism do share some similarities these are outweighed by their differences. Each theory offers insights, which illuminate some "problems" to a degree, and although both are legitimate theories neither has proven to be more acceptable than the other. Bibliography Sociology themes and perspectives Haralambos and Holborn) Introduction to sociology 4th edition (Mike O'Donnell) An introduction to sociology, second edition Ken Browne Sociology Alive, second edition Stephen Moore Sociology Third Edition Ian Robertson