Conflict Theory

Sociology

3 Major Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Symbolic Interactionism Functional Analysis Conflict Theory

Understanding Conflict

Conflict is a natural disagreement resulting from individuals or groups that differ in attitudes, beliefs, values or needs

It can also originate from past rivalries and personality differences

Examples of conflicting

values: individualism vs teamwork, family life vs career,

What is conflict?

Conflict theory vs Marxism

Conflict theory: power is the core of ALL social relationships

Marxism: much like conflict theory but power is gained through economics

Characterized by an economic struggle between the haves and have-nots.

Conflict Theory

– Alternative to functionalism– Macrosociological theoretical perspective– Resentment and hostility are constant elements of

society– Power differences among social classes – Special interest groups fight over scarce

resources of society Interest groups fight to gain advantages over others

Conflict Theory (Cont’d)

Competition puts society off-balance until dominant group gains control and stability through power

Influences

Karl Marx (1818-1883)Karl Marx (1818-1883)– Humanist: wanted all individuals to reach their full human

potential – Believed humans make their own history (historical method)

Controlling material production division of labor formation of economic social classes Class struggle

– Trying to combine material and ideal factors/ structural and cultural factors

– Founder of the conflict theory– Influenced by the consequences of the Industrial Revolution in

Europe

Karl Marx

Bourgeoisie – small group of capitalists who own the means to produce wealth

Proletariat – mass of workers exploited by the bourgeoisie

To be fair…Marx witnessed capitalism in its infancy Class differences have a lot to do with possession of

personal property Believed the exploited would become conscious and

unite communism elimination of class struggle

Conflict Theory Today

Some sociologists use conflict theory in a much broader sense than Marx

Result = constant struggle throughout society to determine who has authority and how far it goes

Conflict Theory Today

Lewis Coser (1913-2003) – argued conflict was most likely to develop among people in close relationships

People work out a distribution of responsibilities, privileges, power, and rewards

Defined conflict as “a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power and resources in which the aims of the opponents are to neutralize, injure, or eliminate their rivals.”

Conflicts between intergroups and intragroups are part of social life

Feminists and Conflict Theory

View = conflict between men and women (not a united feminist view)

At the core of feminist perspective is the issue of gender inequality, both at home and in the workplace.

The emphasis for feminists is social change.

Applying the conflict Theory – why is the US divorce rate so high?

Number of marriages: 2,118,000 (2012)– Marriage rate: 6.8 per 1,000 total population– Divorce rate: 3.6 per 1,000 population (44 reporting States

and D.C.) Conflict theorists – male / female relationships have

changed. Men used to dominate With industrialization, women can meet their basic

needs outside of marriage They don’t need to rely / put up with male conflict

Summary

Dominance of men over women once considered natural and right

As women gained education and earnings, they lost willingness to accept this

Divorce rates up – women not putting up w/ unfair relationships

Relevancy

Maintains that what social order does, is the result of power elites’ coercion of masses

Those without power seek social change Two class system by Marx Contemporary conflict theorists don’t limit

power to just economics, but also look at other issues

Relevancy (cont’d)

Three criticisms of conflict theory:

1. Ignores other ways (i.e. non-forceful ways in which people reach agreements

2. Sides with people who lack power

3. Focuses on economic factors as the sole issue for all conflict in society

This primarily is for Marx’s approach

Relevancy (cont’d)

Differences in power are in all types of interaction

Power used to be physical, but now, it’s legal and economic

Macro vs. Micro

Macro – functionalists & conflict theorists focus on large scale patterns

Micro – symbolic interactionists focus on what people do in each other’s presence