How to Compare Two Theories in a Social Science TMA

Social science TMAs love the comparison question. “Compare functionalist and conflict perspectives on education.” “Contrast two explanations of crime.” “Compare and contrast two theories of identity.” It looks straightforward, but it is easy to end up writing two separate mini-essays joined by “on the other hand”. That approach describes both theories well and compares them barely at all.

This guide shows you how to plan and write a compare and contrast theories essay that actually compares: choosing your points of comparison, picking a structure, using evidence and reaching a clear judgement. The examples come from sociology and social policy, but the method works for psychology, criminology, politics and business theory too. As always, check the exact wording of your TMA question and your module guide, because some questions ask you to compare only, others to “compare and evaluate”.

What does a compare and contrast question in a social science TMA really ask for?

“Compare” means looking at similarities and differences. “Contrast” focuses on differences. In practice, most TMA questions want both, plus some judgement about what the comparison tells us.

Tutors are usually checking three things:

• Do you understand each theory accurately, in your own words?
• Can you identify meaningful points where the theories meet or part ways?
• Can you explain why those similarities and differences matter, for example in how each theory explains the evidence?

Describing each theory is necessary, but it is the starting point. The marks are mostly in the connections you draw.

How do I choose the points of comparison between two theories?

You need a shared frame: a set of questions you can ask of both theories. Without it, you end up comparing whatever each theory happens to say, and the points never line up.

Useful comparison criteria for social science theories include:

• View of society or human behaviour: consensus or conflict, structure or agency?
• Level of analysis: does the theory focus on whole societies, institutions, groups or individuals?
• Key concepts: what are the core ideas each theory uses?
• Explanation of the issue in your question: how does each theory account for, say, educational inequality?
• Type of evidence: what kind of research supports each theory, and how strong is it?
• Criticisms and blind spots: what does each theory struggle to explain?

Choose three or four criteria that fit your question and your word count. Fewer, well-developed points beat a long thin list.

A quick way to plan is to draw a simple grid before you write. Put your criteria down the left-hand side and the two theories across the top. Fill each box with a short note from your module materials, then add a final column headed “So what?” where you jot down what the similarity or difference tells you. If a row has nothing in the “So what?” column, it is probably description rather than comparison, and it may be the row to drop.

This grid also helps you spot gaps early. If one theory has full boxes and the other has very little, you know where to focus your reading before you start drafting.

Should I use the block method or the point-by-point method?

There are two standard structures. Both can work, but they suit different situations.

	Block method	Point-by-point method
How it works	All of Theory A, then all of Theory B, then a comparison section	Each paragraph takes one criterion and discusses both theories
Best for	Shorter answers, or when Theory B builds on or responds to Theory A	Most TMAs, especially where the theories address the same issues
Main risk	Turns into two separate descriptions with little comparison	Can feel choppy if the paragraphs lack a clear argument
How to fix the risk	Refer back to A throughout the B section (“Unlike functionalism, Marxism…”)	Open each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the comparison

For most social science TMAs, the point-by-point method produces a more analytical answer because the comparison happens in every paragraph. A sensible hybrid is to give a short overview of each theory first (one paragraph each), then move into point-by-point comparison.

What does a good comparison paragraph look like?

Each paragraph should do four jobs: state the point of comparison, explain Theory A, explain Theory B, and say what the similarity or difference means.

A worked example

Question: Compare functionalist and Marxist explanations of the role of education.

“Both functionalist and Marxist perspectives see education as a key link between the individual and wider society, but they disagree sharply about whose interests that link serves. Functionalists argue that schools pass on shared values and sort pupils into roles according to ability, which helps society run smoothly. Marxists accept that schools sort pupils, but argue that this sorting reproduces class inequality, preparing working-class pupils for lower-status work while presenting the outcome as fair. The difference matters because it changes how each theory reads the same evidence: a gap in attainment between social classes looks like a meritocratic outcome to a functionalist and like evidence of a biased system to a Marxist.”

Notice the structure: shared ground first, then the difference, then the “so what”. The last sentence is where much of the credit lies, because it shows you understand why the comparison matters. Support each point with the concepts, writers and studies your module covers, referenced in your module’s style.

How do I use evidence when comparing two theories?

Evidence helps you judge between theories, not just describe them. For each criterion, ask which theory explains the evidence better, or whether the evidence is open to both readings.

When you bring in a study, evaluate it briefly as well. A theory backed by a large, well-designed study carries more weight than one resting on a single small case. Our guide on how to critically evaluate a study walks through the questions to ask, and it applies to social research as much as psychology.

Use the readings and case studies in your module materials first. Many OU and SUSS social science modules assess how well you apply the set material, so drawing on outside sources at the expense of module content can cost marks.

Do I need to say which theory is better?

Usually, yes, or at least you need to reach a reasoned judgement. A strong conclusion might say:

• One theory offers the more convincing explanation of the issue in the question, and why.
• Each theory explains different aspects better, so they are more useful together than alone.
• Both share a significant weakness that a third perspective addresses (only if your module covers that perspective).

Whichever line you take, make it clear early. State your overall position in the introduction, then build towards it. A judgement that appears only in the final paragraph, with no build-up, reads as an afterthought. Our guide to TMA introductions and conclusions shows how to signal your argument from the first paragraph.

Avoid sitting on the fence for the sake of it. “Both theories have strengths and weaknesses” is true of every theory and says nothing. Say which strengths and weaknesses matter most for this question.

What should I avoid in a compare and contrast theories essay?

A quick pre-submission checklist:

1. Two descriptions, no comparison. If you can split your essay neatly into “Theory A” and “Theory B” halves with no cross-references, rework it.
2. Uneven coverage. Give both theories roughly equal depth unless the question says otherwise.
3. Straw-man versions. Present each theory fairly, at its strongest, before criticising it.
4. Only differences. Look for genuine common ground. Theories that disagree often share assumptions.
5. Weak linking words. Use precise phrases: “similarly”, “in contrast”, “whereas”, “both”, “unlike”, “this difference reflects”.
6. No judgement. End with a clear answer to the question.

When should I get a social science tutor to check my comparison?

If your plan still looks like two separate halves, or feedback on earlier TMAs says “more analysis needed”, talking through your comparison criteria with a tutor before you draft can save a lot of rewriting. Our social science TMA tutors support sociology, social policy and related modules with explanations, feedback and planning support, while you write and own your final answer. If you already have a full draft, our TMA draft review gives written feedback on structure and argument so you can revise it yourself. Please follow your university’s academic integrity and AI rules throughout.