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Conflict Theory

Karl Marx developed conflict theory to explain how society is defined by conflict between groups competing for limited resources. Conflict theory views social order as maintained by power and domination rather than consensus. Marx believed competition between the bourgeoisie (the wealthy class) and the proletariat (the working class) would inevitably lead to revolution as inequality grows. Later theorists like Max Weber expanded on conflict theory to include additional sources of conflict beyond just economic classes.

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Bhea Dhenesse M Manalo
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329 views10 pages

Conflict Theory

Karl Marx developed conflict theory to explain how society is defined by conflict between groups competing for limited resources. Conflict theory views social order as maintained by power and domination rather than consensus. Marx believed competition between the bourgeoisie (the wealthy class) and the proletariat (the working class) would inevitably lead to revolution as inequality grows. Later theorists like Max Weber expanded on conflict theory to include additional sources of conflict beyond just economic classes.

Uploaded by

Bhea Dhenesse M Manalo
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CONFLICT THEORY

Group 5 Presentation
Conflict Theory
by Karl Marx
Conflict theory, first developed by Karl Marx, is a
theory that society is in a state of perpetual conflict
because of competition for limited resources.
Conflict theory holds that social order is maintained
by domination and power, rather than by consensus
and conformity.
Some examples of conflict theory include pay inequalities
between groups and inequalities in the justice and
educational systems of governments.
Karl Marx developed conflict theory in response to the
exploitation of the poor working class by the rich
capitalists. He advocated for the poor to rise against the
rich for equality in society.
Understanding Conflict Theory
Conflict theory has sought to explain a wide range of social phenomena, including
wars, revolutions, poverty, discrimination, and domestic violence. It ascribes
most of the fundamental developments in human history, such as democracy and
civil rights, to capitalistic attempts to control the masses (as opposed to a desire
for social order).

Marx’s version of conflict theory focused on the conflict between two primary
classes. Each class consists of a group of people bound by mutual interests and a
certain degree of property ownership. Marx theorized about the bourgeoisie, a
group that represented members of society who hold the majority of the wealth
and means. The proletariat is the other group: It includes those considered
working-class or poor.
Conflict Theory
Assumptions

Competition : Conflict theorists believe that competition is a constant and, at times, an overwhelming factor
in nearly every human relationship and interaction.

Revolution : Given conflict theorists' assumption that conflict occurs between social classes, one outcome of
this conflict is a revolutionary event.

Structural inequality : An important assumption of conflict theory is that human relationships and social
structures all experience inequalities of power.

War : Conflict theorists tend to see war as either a unifier or as a "cleanser" of societies.
Special Considerations

▪︎ Marx viewed capitalism as part of a historical progression of economic systems. He believed


capitalism was rooted in commodities, or things that are purchased and sold. For example, he believed
that labor is a type of commodity. Because laborers have little control or power in the economic system
(because they don’t own factories or materials), their worth can be devalued over time. This can create an
imbalance between business owners and their workers, which can eventually lead to social conflicts. He
believed these problems would eventually be fixed through a social and economic revolution.
Adaptations of Marx's conflict theory
▪︎ Max Weber, a German sociologist, philosopher, jurist, and
political economist, adopted many aspects of Marx's conflict
theory and later further refined some of Marx's ideas. Weber
believed that conflict over property was not limited to one specific
scenario. Rather, he believed that there were multiple layers of
conflict existing at any given moment and in every society.

Whereas Marx framed his view of conflict as one between owners


and workers

Weber's beliefs about conflict extend beyond Marx's because they


suggest that some forms of social interaction, including conflict,
generate beliefs and solidarity between individuals and groups
within a society.

Conflict theorists of the later 20th and early 21st centuries have
continued to extend conflict theory beyond the strict economic
classes posited by Marx.
Examples of Conflict
Theory

Inequality of the law


between rich and poor -Gender Conflict Private school to Public school
people
What Are Some Common
Criticisms of Conflict
Theory?

Oversimplification

Ignoring cooperation and consensus


It tends to ignore the role of culture and
ideology in shaping social relations
tends to be overly negative and
pessimistic.
Ignoring individual agency
Conclusion
In conclusion, conflict theory provides a valuable
perspective on the social world, highlighting the
importance of power and inequality in shaping social
structures and relationships. While it may not provide a
complete or comprehensive account of social dynamics, it
has played an important role in advancing our
understanding of social injustice and the need for social
change.
THE END

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