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Questions and Answers
What is the primary concern of conflict theorists?
What is the primary concern of conflict theorists?
What is a limitation of the functionalist perspective?
What is a limitation of the functionalist perspective?
How do conflict and functionalist approaches complement each other?
How do conflict and functionalist approaches complement each other?
What is a key similarity between conflict and functionalist approaches?
What is a key similarity between conflict and functionalist approaches?
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What is a criticism of the conflict approach?
What is a criticism of the conflict approach?
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What is a characteristic of both conflict and functionalist approaches?
What is a characteristic of both conflict and functionalist approaches?
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How do functionalists view human behavior?
How do functionalists view human behavior?
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What is a potential outcome of conflicts in certain circumstances?
What is a potential outcome of conflicts in certain circumstances?
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How do Marxists view human behavior?
How do Marxists view human behavior?
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What is a common criticism of both conflict and functionalist approaches?
What is a common criticism of both conflict and functionalist approaches?
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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.
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Description
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.
