Mark is a structural functionalist. This is a sociological theory that states that all the parts of society work together and in harmony as a system of interrelated parts.
John is a social conflict theorist that believes that we all fight and compete over resource and power.
Structural functionalist theory states that everything is society works together to create what we see and have become accustomed to. Every role has its place and has its function as a vital organ in the system that make the body (society) work. This notion of thinking is based around what we perceive to be the way society works and the norms, customs, traditions and institutions all work together to create a society that we can all live in together.
Structural functionalism is said to be a positive theory towards society and how social interaction works. The thought that all of the interrelated parts and the people within society all work together is said to verge on idealism by the theorists that do not believe that structural functionalism is the right theory in how society works.
Social conflict theory is based around the idea that there are different groups in society that all focus their efforts to compete for power and other resources. This social conflict can be seen in society where there is war or unjust leadership and this is where the thought behind the theory is said to come from.
Theorists that do not believe that social conflict theory is how society is molded feel that this theory puts a negative spin on how our society is made up and that the struggle for power is not really there. It is in some countries but this is seen as a separate struggle and not the way that society should be seen as a whole.
