what the common characteristics of functionalism and Marxism?

Functionalism and Marxism are two of the most
dominant sociological perspectives. Structural functionalism, or functionalism, asserts that
society is a series of interlocking norms and institutions that must be maintained in order to
promote stability and social order. Marxism, meanwhile, takes on a materialist approach to
interpret social conflict and class relations. Unlike functionalism, Marxism is in favor of
social transformation. It was founded by the philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the
19th century.

Both perspectives are macro-structural €“ their analysis takes
into account the whole of society. One common characteristic of the two is that both espouse a
deterministic view of society €“ they hold that individuals are the product of their own
specific conditions and the overall societal structure. Functionalism, however, endorses in
cultural determinism (emphasizing shared norms and values) while Marxism endorses in economic
determinism (emphasizing material conditions).

Another common characteristic
between the two is that both believe that culture and socialization play an important role in
placating the members of a society. Functionalism maintains that this is a positive thing, as
culture and socialization lead to shared norms and values, which, in turn, lead to stability and
social order. Marxism, however, asserts that culture and socialization only serve to benefit the
ruling class as it wielded as an instrument of social control.

It is
important to note that the main difference between the two is that functionalism is a
consensus-based perspective while Marxism is a conflict-based perspective.