They are concerned with the influence of society on individuals, as well as the relationships between different parts of society, emphasising the ways in which individuals conform to social order. However, they are different because functionalists see order as being based on the acceptance of a consensus, that is a general agreement about the norms and values in society. On the other hand, Marxists see the acceptance of a consensus as a form of false consciousness, which benefits those with economic power. Individuals are born into particular social structures and learn the existing beliefs and values of their societies. Functionalists see this process as socialisation whereas Marxists and feminists see it as a form of indoctrination.
Functionalists see society as constituting a system of inter-related parts.
These parts are linked by their functions which make for the smooth running of society. Thus, education acts as a mechanism which sorts out the most talented from the less talented, in order that the most talented achieve the functionally most important positions within society. However, Marxists Bowles and Gintis show that there is no relationship between academic qualifications and income. According to this view, if the most talented in society achieved the functionally most important jobs, then parliament would be filled with university professors. In addition, it is difficult to measure which jobs are the most important in society.