Table of ContentsIntroductionStructural Functionalism and Conflict TheoryDifferences and Similarities Between Conflict Theory and FunctionalismConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionLanguage is an absolutely fundamental essential element for communicating. However, the language can also be confusing from time to time. Humans most certainly understand a common exchange of words, but most of the time it can be a little disorienting when the terms are not fully understood. Words can be exchanged between the speaker and listener, but if the terms are not fully known to both parties, misunderstandings are likely to occur between the two. If two people have a different definition of feminism, their interpretation may differ from the other. For example, let's say person A views feminism as women trying to outwit men and promote superiority, and person B views feminism as women trying to make the rights of men and women equal. If these two people were to have a conversation on this topic, there could most certainly be a complicated discussion between them. Of course, in this case, it is person A who is wrong given the literal definition of the word feminism; but because person B was knowledgeable about the word, they were much more educated than person A regarding the subject. In the context of functionalism and conflict theory, such disparities in understanding and interpretation can have a significant impact on the discourse surrounding sociological paradigms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Nevertheless, person B was adamant about his definition because of what he saw and saw in the media about extremists who simultaneously use this word which are the same activists. Person B chose to believe what they saw when the word was used and then what the term actually meant. Despite their reasoning based on misunderstanding, just like person B, many other people will be just as hesitant about similar topics. Especially today in society where so many terms are used easily and prevent activists from moving forward in their movements. Abusing these terms and using them in conversations where they don't apply are just two of the rare examples of how these conflicts can permanently eradicate movements. Much like the terms explained above, in sociology, structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionalism are often confused on the grounds that they are paradigms. Paradigms are a set of structures used to simplify and explain things in sociology. Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory Structural functionalism is a theoretical paradigm that views society as a complex system where parts function together to promote unity and stability. Conflict theories are concepts in sociology and social psychology that reflect a materialist worldview, a dialectical theory of study, a pragmatic approach to current social structures, and a radical political agenda or, at a minimum, change. Symbolic interactionism is a theory in sociology that emerges from practical problems and refers to people's specific use of language to produce images and natural consequences for inference and communication between them. Functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism are three sociological perspectives, 2015.