Conflict theory vs Marxism
Conflict theory: power is the core of ALL social relationships
Marxism: much like conflict theory but power is gained through economics
Characterized by an economic struggle between the haves and have-nots.
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Conflict Theory Alternative to functionalism Macrosociological theoretical perspective Resentment and hostility are constant
elements of society Power differences among social classes Special interest groups fight over scarce
resources of society Interest groups fight to gain advantages over
others
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Conflict Theory (Cont’d)
Competition puts society off-balance until dominant group gains control and stability through power
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Influences
Karl Marx (1818-1883) Humanist: wanted all individuals to reach their
full human potential Believed humans make their own history
(historical method) Controlling material production division of
labor formation of economic social classes Class struggle
Trying to combine material and ideal factors/ structural and cultural factors
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Marx (cont’d)
Society was a two-class system:1. Bourgeoisie (owners of the means of
production)2. Proletariat (workers)
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Marx (cont’d)
Class differences have a lot to do with possession of personal property
Believed the exploited would become conscious and unite communism elimination of class struggle
Main ideas behind communism are stated in the communist manifesto
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Max Weber (1864-1920)
Agreed with Marx (economics played a central role in power distinction).
Believed in Two other factors:1. Social prestige (status)
Example: someone could be poor and still hold a lot of power because of social prestige Mother Theresa
2. Political influence Example: Politician who has great power, but
does not earn a big salary
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Max Weber (cont’d) Weber defined power as “the ability to impose
one’s will on another, even when the other objects” (p. 72 CST)
Authority: legitimate power; used with consent of the ruled
Distribution of power and authority = basis of social conflict
HOWEVER: if subordinates believe in the authority= avoided conflict If authority is not recognized as a legitimate= conflict
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Max Weber (cont’d)
People with power want to keep it People w/out power want to seek it 3 types of authority:
1. Rational-legal 2. Traditional 3. charismatic
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Georg Simmel (1858-1918)
Wanted to develop a mathematics of society Collection of statements about human
relationships and social behavior Disagreed with Marx that social classes
are formed horizontally There are differences in power and
opinions within each group.
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Georg Simmel (1858-1918)
Concepts and contributions: Rejects organic theory Saw society as the sum of individual
interaction The most important relationship is between
leaders and followers, superior and subordinates Superiordinate and subordinate have a reciprocal
relationship
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Georg Simmel (1858-1918)
Believed social action always involves harmony and conflict, love and hatred (p.74)
Secrecy: people who hold secrets are in a position of power.
Some groups are formed around secrets and are known as secret societies are usually in conflict with the greater society Initiation creates hierarchy
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Modern Conflict Theory
Ideas of Marx, Weber, and Simmel resurfaced in America in the 1950’s through two German Sociologists:
1. Lewis Coser2. Ralph Dahrendorf
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Lewis Coser (1913-2003)
Defined conflict as “a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power and resources in which the aims of the opponents are to neutralize, injure, or eliminate their rivals.”
Conflicts between intergroups and intragroups are part of social life
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Lewis Coser (1913-2003)
Conflict is part of relationships and is not necessarily a sign of instability
Conflict serves several functions:1. Leads to social change2. Can stimulate innovation3. During times of war threat, can increase
central power
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Lewis Coser (1913-2003)
Explored sixteen propositions of conflict through functions
Thought that conflict= boundaries between different groups unity between individual members of that group and determines boundaries of power
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Ralf Dahrendorf (1929- )
Social order is maintained by force from the top
Tension is constant Extreme social change can happen at any
time “there cannot be conflict unless some
degreee of consensus has already been established” (p. 89)
Once reached, conflict temporarily disappears
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C. Wright Mills (1916-1962)
Work centered around power Several dimensions of inequality (like
Weber) Power can be independent from economic
class Version of conflict theory-closer to Weber’s
than Marx
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C. Wright Mills (1916-1962)
Concept of power elite, rather than ruling class=difference between Marx and Mills
There is a triangle of power:1. Military2. Industry3. Politics White-collar world kept power elite on top
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C. Wright Mills (1916-1962)
There are three types of power:1. Authority: power justified by the beliefs of
the voluntarily obedient2. Manipulation: power wielded unknown to
the powerless3. Coercion: the “final” form of power, where
the powerless are forced to obey the powerful
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Randall Collins (1941- )
“power and status are fundamental relational dimensions at the micro level of social interaction and perhaps at the macro level as well” (p. 96)
Collins believes there are certain goods that every group wants to pursue Wealth, power, and prestige
“Concluded that coercion and the ability to “force” others to behave a certain way are the primary basis of conflict” (p.96)
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Randall Collins (1941- ) Had a stratified
approach to conflict that had 3 basic principles and 5 principles of conflict analysis
Social Structure
Individualactions
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Relevancy
Maintains that what social order does, is the result of power elites’ coercion of masses
Those without power seek social change Two class system by Marx Contemporary conflict theorists don’t limit
power to just economics, but also look at other issues
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Relevancy (cont’d)
Three criticisms of conflict theory:1. Ignores other ways (i.e. non-forceful
ways in which people reach agreements2. Sides with people who lack power3. Focuses on economic factors as the sole
issue for all conflict in society This primarily is for Marx’s approach
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