Original post by john2054You might want to start by saying that the two theories aren't mutually exclusive. In a time of warfare, such as ww2, the conflicts both within and without different societies and cultures are apparent. Just look at the way concientious objectors were treated for example. And the structures of society, from benefits, to the war effort, really kicked in to effectively function society. With the Bevan health act after the war, serving to reward our society, from the fruits of war.
On the flip side a conflict theory such as Marxism, could argue that the war was in fact the chess game of the powers of the ruling class (bourgeoisie), who just saw the minions run in to the bullets and bombs of war, thus suffer, whilst their own property and position remained intact. This is without going in to the slaughter of millions of Jewish and ethnic minorities in the holocaust.
Also feminists could argue that the war was a conflict between male rulers, trying to boost their egos, only for the jobs women were given in the war, them holding on to some of them at least, after. Resulting in a new social contract being drawn up between the sexes after 1945. However, successive generations have seen continual conflicts, from Vietnam to Iraq to Syria, with each next clique of rulers, both the men and the women who work for them, loving to send their men and bombs, every few years.
To conclude you could say, like what i said in the beginning, that these contrasting theories, whilst on first sight, may appear contradictory, in the real word there is definitely a certain amount of cross over, with societies existing on different levels at the same time. So for example, marriage seems to be making something of a comeback, despite being on the wane for many years. Which in itself can be looked at again from both a functionalist and conflict standpoint. But I will let you explore this further if you want. These are two points you could explore in the essay, let me know if you need any more ideas okay?
BTW please don't copy and paste, but rewrite these points in your own words, if you are going to use them thanks! (PS and you don't have to cite me, because this is only Access!)