Structural Functionalism vs Conflict Theory

Structural functionalism and conflict theory have some different points of view. One of them is that structural functionalism sees society as a complex system, that permit it to interact cohesively, and looks society as a macro-level orientation; while the conflict theory focuses on the social system that only work for a select few of society and is known because the struggle for dominance among social groups that compete for scarce resources. Knowing this, How different structural functionalism views gender than conflict theory does in a society?

Gender differences are viewed from functionalism as an efficient way to create divisions and specializing of cooperative labour into specifically circumscribed tasks and roles. Also, it is viewed as a social system where particulars segments are responsible for specific labor acts.

These division of labor are very efficient because create a maximum use of resources. This theory has been criticized for reifying gender roles. In functionalist perspective gender roles contribute to social relations.

Conflict theory has a different look of gender. In this theory gender is viewed as an attempt from male to keep power and privilege over female, and males are seen as the dominant group while females are seen as the subordinate group. The only reason why gender roles still exist is because to maintain their power and status the dominant group is still working for that.

There exist some difference about how this two theories, functionalist and conflict perspective sees gender and what is the importance in society. In my personal opinion I’m more with the idea that functionalism have with gender.