Features of the Conflict Theory - Essay Example

?Emad Khayat SOC2001 Robert Platt June 25, Choose any particular sociological theory that you have encountered on the (examples might be ‘functionalism’, conflict theory’, ‘interactionism’, or ‘feminism’) and a) identify its main features; b) associate it with those sociologists/thinkers whose work has largely represented it; c) identify its strengths and weaknesses as a mode of explanation; and d) examine its application in one particular study. Introduction There have been several sociological perspectives on culture that were presented and discussed in the course; which includes functionalist, conflict, feminist and symbolic interactionist. To comply with the requirements of this paper, one would be focusing on a discussion about the conflict theory. In this regard, the current discourse would present the main features of the conflict theory; the sociologists or thinkers whose work has largely represented this particular theory; the strengths and weaknesses of the conflict theory; and finally, it’s application in an identified study. Main Features First and foremost, the level of analysis used in evaluating the conflict theory is more on a macro-oriented perspective. The main points include asserting that “culture benefits some groups at the expense of others” (Benokraitis 57). This means that conflict theories believed that there are social forces that allegedly create divisiveness; instead of unity or solidarity. Also, that there have been established social structures and stratification that creates a gap between the rich and the poor. Since the rich have more access to resources, more capabilities and power, they were deemed to have the capacities to further enrich themselves; while those within the poverty level were left with virtually limited or no resources to uplift their social status. It was further explained that “according to conflict theory, inequality exists because those in control of a disproportionate share of society’s resources actively defend their advantages. The masses are not bound to society by their shared values, but by coercion at the hands of those in power. This perspective emphasizes social control, not consensus and conformity” (Crossman par. 2). Likewise, the theory also advocated that the members of the ruling class continue to perpetuate endeavors that enable them to get richer and more powerful at the expense of a specifically identified subject class. As disclosed, “the ruling class derives its power from its ownership and control of the forces of production. The ruling class exploits and oppresses the subject class. As a result there is a basic conflict of interest between the two classes” (Conflict Theories par. 1). This fact was corroborated by Benokraitis who asserted that as evident from the conflict theory, due to the power and resources that have been primarily accessible to the ruling class, other new innovations and discoveries apparently exist to benefit those who are already in power. In fact, it was emphasized that new laws and regulations were allegedly designed to protect the interests and assets that have been generated and protected by the rich and the powerful. Sociologists/Thinkers whose Work has Largely Represented The conflict theory was allegedly originally attributed to Karl Marx. According to McClelland (2000), “owners are seen as making profits by paying workers less than their work is worth and, thus, exploiting them” (par. 5). The conflict theory proposed by Marx discussed scenarios that were observed within a capitalist society (McClelland). As such, what was initially evaluated in terms of concepts of materialism and diverse economic structures of society; eventually led to more focused discussions on concepts such as feudalism, capitalism, and socialism (McClelland). Likewise, Marx allegedly created a complex concept that encompassed other conflicts within the social realm, to wit: “Conflict theory regarding class Conflict theory regarding race and ethnicity Conflict theory regarding gender Conflict theory regarding religion Conflict theory regarding region” (Marx Conflict Theory par. 8). As could be deduced, the conflict theory apparently covers wide facets of society where divisiveness and exploitation were reported to be prevalent. The diverse bases that were seen to form an instrumental part of the conflict theory was actually also conceptualized by another prominent figure who was identified with the conflict theory: Max Weber. Accordingly, “where Marx believed that class inequalities would ultimately be ended by revolution, Weber saw conflict as eternal, although it could take new forms. Group conflict theory derives from Weber's vision” (Mork par. 6). . Strengths and Weaknesses The strengths of the conflict theory in terms of providing some illuminating factor towards understanding aspects of social life fall within its apparent ability to challenge the status quo (Crossman). This could be considered an advantage or strength since it provides the opportunity for various members of diverse social classes to closely examine root causes of inequality and apparent discrimination. As stressed, “conflict theorists challenge the status quo, encourage social change (even when this means social revolution), and believe rich and powerful people force social order on the poor and the weak” (Crossman par. 3). Thus, despite apparent negative overtures, the conflict that allegedly pervades in society could be seen as useful to propose significant social changes for improvement. Likewise, since the conflict theory is examined through a macro-perspective, a more comprehensive view of the whole society is taken into consideration. It was also stressed in the course readings, especially in the topic on strengths and weaknesses of the perspectives, that the strengths of viewing Marx’s capitalist society is that it enables policy makers and social practitioners to see conflict as an engaging and dynamic force which could spur positive action from afflicted members of society. On the other hand, the weaknesses of the conflict theory could be seen in its one-sided negative argument that emphasizes divisiveness. This line of theoretical framework seem to have permanently conceived that society, with the stratification and wide gap in social classes, would remain in this situation for as long as the dominant and powerful class remains. Therefore, by focusing only on the negative facet; and only on the capitalist structure, there could evidently be tendencies of leaving some relevant components in social structures that need to be addressed. In addition, since the conflict theory was evaluated through a macro-perspective, the minute concerns of each member of society could have been potentially overlooked. Application in One Particular Study The Marxist perspectives were noted to have contributed to asserting clear delineation of ethnic divisions in society. This could serve both advantages and disadvantages for this particular sector. The conflict theory, which focuses on divisiveness, actually does not tend to stress that equal groups, such as ethnic, racial or cultural communities, exhibit greater tendencies for unification; especially within a more diversified society. As contended, “conflict theorists note that unequal groups usually have conflicting values and agendas, causing them to compete against one another” (Crossman par. 4). Therefore, it goes without saying that equal groups, on the other hand tend to be more unified – to converge due to common interests and heritage; that, despite living within an immensely diverse society, there still remains a solidified force that could contribute to the overall growth of the entire economic and social realm. Likewise, despite asserting that the ever persistent conflicts among unequal groups become the precursor for constant and continuous changes in society in such a negative flare, the conflict theory has allegedly failed to see that change, which is inevitable, is also considered a positive force for growth and development. Therefore, although seeing conflict on a more negative note, one is convinced that its existence is actually a burning force that ignites people, businesses, and industries to seek ways to discover, to innovate, to revolutionize contemporary ways. In a study written by Medler, Fitzgerald, Magerko (2008), the conflict theory was effectively used in designing games that allegedly use conflicts as the framework. It was contented by the authors that “creating a generalized framework of conflict allows us to reproduce interactions between simulated societies, which resemble real world societal interactions during times of conflict.” (1) This is a perfect example that something useful and beneficial in other facets could be deduced from the conflict theory. The games that were apparently developed and designed using the conflict theory include The Sims, Civilization IV, and World of Warcraft (Medler, Fitzgerald and Magerko). Conclusion The paper has effectively presented the main points and features of the conflict theory, one of the sociological perspectives on culture. Through a discussion of the initial theoretical frameworks that were proposed by Karl Marx and Max Weber, the main points were further expounded to include discussions stemming from capitalist societies, to concepts of exploitation, and the more frequently discussed gap between the dominant class and the subordinate groups. Also, the strengths and weaknesses of the conflict theory were likewise discussed in terms of how well and even how badly the theory provided an understanding and explanation of clearly identified aspects of social life. Finally, applications of the conflict theory, which rationalized evidences of its strengths and weaknesses were also discussed and gave way for its valid usefulness in contemporary situations. The more concrete examples of the application was vividly described through the creation and design of games based on the theoretical frameworks of the conflict theory. Overall, the discourse provided ample opportunity for greater understanding of the conflict theory and how this perspective offered opportunities to understand unequal and equal groups of society. Given the macro perspective orientation for its level of analysis, social practitioners and policymakers could benefit from being made aware of the crucial features and components to appreciate what could be done on a wider scale. Works Cited Benokraitis, Nijole V. SOC (with Sociology CourseMate with eBook Printed Access Card), 2nd Edition. Wadsworth: Cengage Learning, 2010. Electronic Version. "Conflict Theories." 2011. Sociology Guide. http://www.sociologyguide.com/social-stratification/Conflict-Theories.php. 25 June 2013. Crossman, Ashley. "Conflict Theory: An Overview." 2013. About.com Sociology. http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Conflict-Theory.htm. 25 June 2013. "Marx Conflict Theory." n.d. conflicttheory. http://conflicttheory.com/marx/. 25 June 2013. McClelland, K. "Conflict Theory." 2000. Grinnel College. http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/soc/s00/soc111-01/IntroTheories/Conflict.html. 25 June 2013. Medler, B., J. Fitzgerald and B. Magerko. "Using Conflict Theory to Model Complex Societal Interactions." 2008. Future Play. http://adam.cc.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/medler_futureplay08.pdf. 25 June 2013. Mork, B. "Theories of Deviance: Conflict Theory." n.d. d.umn.edu. http://www.d.umn.edu/~bmork/2306/Theories/BAMconflict2.htm. 25 June 2013. Read More