Paper Summary:

The paper relates that functionalist theory and conflict theory are two theoretical paradigms which have been and are widely used in the social sciences to explore the operations of society with respect to component groups. This paper critically examines how both functionalist and conflict theory would explain poverty and powerlessness among the more marginalized populations of the Canadian mosaic: women; particular ethnic/racial groups; and rural Canadians. The paper argues that while functionalist theory is effective at explaining the "how" of poverty and powerlessness at any one given point in time, the fact that it is synchronic does not allow for an explanation of these conditions over time. The paper shows how conflict theory is the more effective theory of the two in that it not only explains the processes of social change over time, but also represents a powerful analytical tool for those interested in social action to remedy marginalization in society.

From the Paper:

"Functionalist theory and Conflict theory are two theoretical paradigms which have been and are widely used in the social sciences to explore the operations of society with respect to component groups. This essay will critically examine how both Functionalist and Conflict theory would explain poverty and powerlessness among the more marginalized populations of the Canadian mosaic: women; particular ethnic/racial groups; and rural Canadians. As will be argued, while Functionalist theory is effective at..."

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