10 Questions
What is the primary concern of conflict theorists?
Analyzing how power is acquired and used to dominate others
What is a limitation of the functionalist perspective?
Its inability to explain social change and history
How do conflict and functionalist approaches complement each other?
By focusing on different aspects of social life, such as history and social change
What is a key similarity between conflict and functionalist approaches?
Their holistic view of social life
What is a criticism of the conflict approach?
It struggles to explain stability and integration
What is a characteristic of both conflict and functionalist approaches?
They offer a general explanation of society as a whole
How do functionalists view human behavior?
As directed by the norms and values of the social system
What is a potential outcome of conflicts in certain circumstances?
They can be functional
How do Marxists view human behavior?
As ultimately determined by the economic infrastructure
What is a common criticism of both conflict and functionalist approaches?
They take a narrow, micro-level view of social life
Study Notes
Conflict Perspective
- Rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx, emphasizes materialist interpretation of history, dialectical method of analysis, critical stance towards existing social arrangements, and a political program of revolution or reform.
Key Assumptions
- Competition over scarce resources (e.g., money, leisure, sexual partners) is at the heart of all social relations.
- Structural inequality: inequalities in power and reward are built into social structures.
- Revolution (social change) occurs as a result of conflict of interest in society.
Characteristics of Society
- Defining characteristic of society is inequality.
- Inequality is the creation of the powerful in society.
- The powerful use their positions to advance their own interests.
Cultural Socialization
- Two forms:
- People are convinced that their deplorable conditions are their own fault.
- Force (coercion) is used to maintain inequality if people refuse to accept their situation.
Conflict Theory
- Identifies conflict between social groups as the primary force in society.
- Understanding the bases and consequences of conflict is key to understanding social processes.
- Scarcity of resources people require is the main source of conflict.
Evaluation of Conflict Perspective
- Compliments functionalist theory by addressing history and social change.
- Difficulties in dealing with consensus, integration, and stability.
Relationship Between Functionalist and Conflict Perspectives
- Both perspectives offer a general explanation of society as a whole, taking a holistic (macro) view.
- Regard society as a system, with human behavior shaped by the system.
- Functionalists see behavior directed by norms and values, while Marxists see behavior determined by the economic infrastructure.
The conflict perspective in sociology emphasizes the role of social conflict in shaping society. It is based on the ideas of Karl Marx and emphasizes a materialist interpretation of history. This perspective is critical of existing social arrangements and advocates for revolution or reform.
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