Conflict Theory Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does conflict theory primarily focus on?

  • Social interactions among individuals
  • Social inequalities among different classes (correct)
  • Cultural practices within societies
  • The evolution of democratic systems

Which two social classes are fundamentally involved in Marxist conflict theory?

  • Bourgeoisie and proletariat (correct)
  • Workers and capitalists
  • Capitalists and consumers
  • Middle class and lower class

What is termed as the source of conflict in Marx’s analysis?

  • Religious differences
  • Disparities in education
  • Exploitation of workers (correct)
  • Injustice in legal systems

What does class consciousness refer to in the context of conflict theory?

<p>Recognition of exploitation among the proletariat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Max Weber's view of conflict theory differ from Karl Marx's perspective?

<p>Weber emphasized the significance of social and political aspects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Marx propose as a solution to the cycle of conflict in capitalist systems?

<p>The establishment of socialism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what happens as socio-economic conditions worsen for the proletariat?

<p>They develop a sense of class consciousness and revolt. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples is relevant to modern social conflicts discussed in conflict theory?

<p>Labor strikes and protests like #Feesmustfall (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main sources of conflict according to Max Weber's conflict theory?

<p>Economic, social, and political (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does conflict theory view the role of education in society?

<p>As a source of credentials that maintains social inequality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to C. Wright Mills, what is the role of elite individuals in society?

<p>To control social structures while ignoring the non-elite (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of family dynamics does conflict theory highlight?

<p>The reinforcement of social inequality through family structures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theory, what is said to be 'normal' in human interaction?

<p>Conflict and change (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'heteropatriarchal nature' refer to in the context of traditional families?

<p>A family structure dominated by men (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do wealthy families perpetuate their societal status according to conflict theory?

<p>Through inheritance and maintaining their privileged position (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of conflict theory?

<p>Competition over scarce resources is rare (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Conflict Theory

  • Founded by Karl Marx, a German philosopher and economist, conflict theory emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries
  • Focuses on power struggles and inequalities between different social groups
  • Views society as inherently conflicting, with groups vying for control and resources

Marx's Perspective

  • Emphasized the conflict between the bourgeoisie (wealthy capitalists) and the proletariat (working class)
  • Argued that the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat by paying them low wages while reaping profits from their labor
  • Believed that this conflict would eventually lead to a socialist revolution, where the proletariat would overthrow the bourgeoisie and create a classless society
  • Used the analogy of the "little house" and the "palace" to illustrate how even small inequalities can create a sense of social injustice.
  • Famous examples of the class conflict in action include the Marikana massacre and the #FeesMustFall protests

Max Weber's Contribution

  • Agreed with Marx on the existence of social conflict but expanded the analysis to include other forms of inequality beyond just class
  • Identified three main sources of conflict: economic, social, and political
  • He argued that social conflict exists in various aspects of society, like politics, gender, religion, and education
  • Criticized Marx for focusing solely on economic determinism and ignoring other fundamental aspects of social difference

C. Wright Mills' View

  • Further developed conflict theory by focusing on the role of power and social structures
  • Argued that the elite control social institutions and maintain their privileged position by disregarding the interests of the non-elite
  • Used the term "power elite" to describe those who hold power in society

Conflict Theory and Family

  • Recognizes the role of families in perpetuating social inequality and maintaining the status quo
  • Argues that families, particularly wealthy families, maintain their privileged positions through inheritance and social advantage
  • Acknowledges the inherent conflicts within families due to their power dynamics and heteropatriarchal structure

Key Assumptions of Conflict Theory

  • Social interaction leads to conflict
  • Conflict and change are inevitable in society
  • Competition over scarce resources is a driving force of social conflict

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