Conflict Theory

Conflict theory states that our society is made up of groups and individuals who struggle and compete over the limited resources and rewards that are available in our society. Resources and rewards oftentimes indicates money, however, that is not necessarily the case in all instances. For example, a valuable resource is education…and there is not enough to go around. Only so many people are accepted to prestigious universities.

Conflict theory focuses on the unequal distribution of power, prestige, and wealth. There is a constant struggle for power, prestige, and wealth in our society. Also note that these do not always go hand-in-hand, however, in most instances wealth brings power and prestige.

This constant struggle shapes our everyday lives, interactions between groups and individuals, is the basis of racial, ethnic, and class inequality, and affects the relations between nations. One of the major concepts behind conflict theory is inequality. Remember functionalists say the unequal distribution is necessary for all positions in society to be filled while conflictists say it is inequality and it should not be that way (stratification). (Image courtesy of anankkml/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

SOCIAL CHANGE

Conflictists view social change as good as that is the only way we can move towards equality.

CONFLICT THEORISTS

Conflict theorists state that:

1)Those in power exploit their position (and create poverty, discrimination, oppression, and crime in the process)

2)Conflict produces other pathological conditions on the exploited (alienation, mental illness, alcoholism, and suicide, etc.).

3)Until there are changes in our social structures there will be inequality and social problems will not be eliminated

4)Competition and success are responsible for social problems (value conflicts or inadequate socialization are not to blame)

An Example: Corporate Violence

Corporate violence is defined as “harm or risk inflicted on consumers, workers, and the general public as a result of decisions by corporate executives or managers. Corporate negligence is defined as the “quest for profits at any cost. What are the costs of corporate negligence? What are the effects on employees? Consumers? The Environment?

From a conflict perspective something is considered a social problem when the people believe that their interests are not being met, they feel that they are not receiving their adequate share of the valuable resources, and perceive themselves as disadvantaged. This is where Karl Marx comes in to play. What would Marx say these individuals should do? What would Marx say is should be done to help alleviate this problem?

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