Functionalist theory emphasises the consensus and order that exists in society, focusing on social stability and shared public values. As stated in source 9, "gender roles exist to maximise social efficiency". (Source 9) This highlights the fact that everybody in society has a predetermined role in regards to gender to help distribute labour effectively. In terms of how functionalist theory links to gender construction is in the social aspect of gender roles in society, this constructs an image to younger children of how a 'man' or 'women' should act and behave in general society. What this ultimately highlights is that gender roles are creating gender stereotypes which is shaping the construction of gender immensely. Consequently, as gender is a social construct, functionalists would argue that the division in gender roles is necessary to keep society stable.
The second theory to be investigated is the Conflict theory. This is a theory proposed by sociologist Karl Marx that claims society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources. Conflict theory holds that social order is maintained by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity. According to conflict theory, those with wealth and power try to hold on to it by any means possible, mainly by suppressing the poor and powerless. As stated in source 8, "men as the dominate gender, subordinate women in order to maintain power and privilege in society". (Source 8) This highlights that men suppress women in the workplace to retain their high role in society. In terms of how Conflict theory links to gender construction is how women are being shut down in society by men, which is creating unfair stereotypes against women. What this ultimately highlights is that women are the stereotypically weaker gender and are mainly dependant on men who are the stereotypically dominate gender.
