According to functionalist marriage and family are necessary for the continuation of society . In the extreme, if homosexuality were to become a norm, the production of offspring would be threatened . This is a justification for the resistance of allowing homosexual marriage. D. Conflict Perspective Critics of the functionalist argue that it supports the status quo at the expense of exploring new definitions of family and marriage. If for example, we define marriage as the decision of two people to live together in a partnership, the the issue of having children is mute.
Conflict theory explores the tensions and differences in interests and power among existing groups.
People who hold power are able to see that their view of society is seen as appropriate and they have the power to see that their concept of reality is enforced. Bibliography Kendall, Diana 1998 Social Problems in a Diverse Society . Allyn and Bacon.