CONSENSUS PERSPECTIVE
Functionalism, Conflict Perspectives
Consensus perspective is also known as functionalism.
The foundation of consensus perspective is the assumption
that societies have an inherent tendency to maintain themselves in a state of relative
equilibrium through the mutually and supportive interaction of their principal
institutions.
Consensus theory is a sociological perspective in which
social order and stability and social regulation forms the base of emphasis. In other
words consensus theory is concerned with the maintenance or continuation of social order
in society
The consensus perspective approach also assumes that
effective maintenance of a particular form of society is in the common interest of all its
members.
Sociological theories could be classified into
'consensus' and 'conflict' perspectives. Consensus
is a concept of society in which the absence of conflict is seen as the equilibrium state
of society based on a general or widespread agreement among all members of a particular
society. Conflict is a disagreement or clash between opposing ideas, principles, or
people-this can be a covert or overt conflict.
Functionalism is often referred to as
‘consensus’ theory because it doesn’t address the issue of conflict in
society, rather it projects an ideal picture of harmonious social relationships.
Relationships involve political processes, which can be
understood from a consensus and a conflict perspective:
From the consensus perspective, mutual commitment, trust,
and conversation are important to build fruitful relationships.
From the conflict perspective, tensions, conflicts, and
power games are considered unavoidable aspects of social interaction, which create change
and renewal.
POLAND IN A POST-WASHINGTON CONSENSUS PERSPECTIVE
Maria Aggestam & Hans Falck, Lund University
Abstract: The Washington Consensus reforms of privatisation, liberalisation and
macroeconomic stability have, to a large extent, been implemented in Poland. The banks and
a majority of other state-owned enterprises have been privatised, and the trade structure
has been liberalised. Even though the primary reforms have been successful in their
short-term macroeconomic goals we question whether these reforms are sufficient to achieve
a good long-term economic performance and thereby a successful economic integration of
Poland into the EU. It is argued that both the Polish government and the Bretton Woods
institutions have focused too narrowly on the goals and instruments of the Washington
Consensus.
We claim that in order for privatisation and liberalisation to yield sustainable results
and accelerate the integration of the Polish economy into the European Union they must be
accompanied by so called Post-Washington Consensus reforms. The Post-Washington Consensus
implies both broadened sets of instruments and goals such as the creation of competitive
markets and functioning financial systems. Furthermore, reforms aiming at the build-up of
human capital and the transfer of technology are essential for balanced economic growth
and development. In addition it is claimed that infrastructural reforms are important for
economic progress. However, as shown, the pace of implementation of the Post-Washington
Consensus reforms in Poland so far has advanced slowly. The slow implementation of these
reforms threatens to risk the continued convergence of the Polish and European economies.
- snee.org/filer/papers/19.pdf
ORGANIZING EVENTS: MANAGING CONFLICT AND CONSENSUS IN A
POLITICAL MARKET SQUARE - LARSON M.; WIKSTRÖM E.
Abstract: Events are organized by several different actors with individual interests. In
order to perform the project task at hand, actors form relationships aimed at cooperation.
Relationships involve political processes, which can be understood from a consensus and a
conflict perspective. From the consensus perspective, mutual commitment, trust, and
conversation are important to build fruitful relationships. From the conflict perspective,
tensions, conflicts, and power games are considered unavoidable aspects of social
interaction, which create change and renewal. This article aims at describing and
understanding political processes in event project networks. The findings suggest that
processes within project networks are predominantly based on either a consensus or a
conflict perspective. However, consensus and conflict are not to be regarded as poles
apart. Instead, they are intertwined and coexist in relational interaction. Actors use
different strategies to manage political processes, aiming at building either legitimacy
or mutual commitment. - ingentaconnect.com
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