Social Conflict Theory : A Theoretical Perspective

In general, conflict theory is to explain the conflict between authority groups and powerless groups through the uneven distribution of power and resources in society (Lai, 2013). It is based entirely in power and how those in power do all they can to hold the majority of the population down and to keep them from gaining power, so as to secure their own position. Conflict theorists all assume that the existing social order is not a product of consensus and mutual benefit but rather a function of power differentials in society. These perspectives recognize that societal resources are limited and contend that opposing groups are in a constant struggle for a greater share of the resources and power that comes with them. As groups struggle to gain

Subsequent thinkers have described different versions of conflict theory; a common theme is that different social groups have unequal power, though all groups struggle for the same limited resources. Conflict theory has been used to explain diverse human behavior, such as educational practices that either sustain or challenge the status quo, cultural customs regarding the elderly, and criminal behavior.

Much like the name of the theory denotes, this theory is based upon the understanding that the society and its social structure is in continuous conflict tension, and racial struggle. The cause of this conflict is in the societal structure including all of the factors that make up a society. These factors might include everything from the labor market and the jobs available/unemployment, the housing and the rate of homelessness, the rate and implementation of healthcare. One major factor that is also connected to the conflict theory is the successful existence of education programs, or when considering the status of certain minorities, the lack of a strong education system. This conflict, or struggle throughout the society is split into two distinct groups.

The conflict perspective puts an emphasis on social inequality. The this perspective views society as different groups working against each other; they are competing for power and resources. This theory explains how our societies basic values come from the ruling class. Groups can be separated from social class, race, gender, or religion.

Conflict affects people by making them take action in the situation and it affects a person’s character. One way conflict affects people is to take action in the situation like what Martin Luther King Jr. did over racism to colored people. Another way conflict affects people is that it affects a person’s character like in Anne Frank when they had to live in the annex which changed their character by living in fear of being found by the Nazis.

The Social Learning Theory and Conflict Perspective are both shown in the public depiction of this family. The social learning theory explains socialization through the individuals learning process and its effect on development of the self as well as influence of society in socializing individuals. The Kardashians and their children, especially the youngest two have grown up on this show having the world view their every decision and action. Growing up in the spot light can affect the way you learn to socialize and interact with others. Throughout the seasons the two youngest daughters, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, have grown up the most. When the show first started they were just in their early teens, yet as the show continues

In Four Sociological Traditions, Randall Collins (1994:47) states that the tradition of conflict is an unpopular theory in reference to society. Collins introduces conflict theory by briefly mentioning that, “dominance is determined by the distribution of social and economic resources” (1994:3). The theory revolves around the idea that societies have groups that will oppose each other due to differing statuses of power, ideology, and interests.

Fruitvale Station is a movie that has the capability to bring many emotions to the surface. This movie can foster critical thinking, but it can also draw the viewer in to experience the raw emotions and suspenseful moments of this real life story. Unfortunately, Oscar Grant’s life was ended abruptly after he spent the night celebrating the New Year with his friends and girlfriend, Sophina. From this story, it is clear that Oscar was attempting to change his story by being a better father to his daughter, Tatiana, thinking about marrying Sophina, and better providing for his family by getting a stable job and being a man that his mother and sister could rely upon. While the incident that occurred at Fruitvale Station could be analyzed from any variety of theories, this paper will examine these events from the lens of Conflict Theory and Social Learning Theory. These theories intertwine in many ways, but they also differ from each other in very important aspects. Fruitvale Station is a cinema depiction of a true story involving the death of Oscar Grant in a train station in Oakland, California during the early morning hours of January 1, 2009. This incident has sparked many civil rights related protests and discussions. Oscar Grant was survived by his mother, who has been very vocal since the incident, fighting for equal rights for minorities, his sister, and his daughter, Tatiana (Johnson).

1a) Functionalism is defined as a theory that focuses on the entire social system, saying that the best way to understand how each social institute works is to believe each institute has a function which has a purpose in the world (W.E Hewitt et al 2011). You identify this through three major concepts that sociology has adapted from biology and medicine, what is it's function (and everything has a function), what this does to the equilibrium state of society and the development or progress this leads (W.E Hewitt et al 2011). Functionalist believe that society will go in and out of a state of equilibrium which is caused from dysfunction's. Dysfunctions help the society system to develop and progress through the help of the functioning social

The conflict theory itself was contrived and created from the beliefs of Karl Marx, who was a firm believer that society is an existence that is always changing and is influenced by the conflict between the social and economic classes. Functionalism views society as a complicated system where all are wanting equality, but the conflict theory sees life as competition and survival of the fittest. One of the foundations of the conflict theory is that society and life are made up of people acquiring and competing for limited resources, such as money or possessions. Social structures and foundations (such as religions and forms of government) encourage competing for resources and the consequences of not having the same power or resources. some people and organizations have more resources. The main consequence is that those people or individuals who have the money, power, or other resources are able to keep their standing in society.

There are three main theories of sociology; functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism. This paper will focus on two of those theories, functionalism and conflict theory. The objective is to delineate the assumptions of two out of the three theoretical perspectives and apply these assumptions to an analysis of social stratification. How this will be accomplished will be by comparing and contrasting their assumptions and by analyzing the two theories affect on social stratification. Then I will state my opinion on which of the two better fits my personal sociological views. Functionalism is many people's way to view the world sociologically. It states clearly that the

Divorce rates are growing higher and higher every year. I will compare the sociological conflict theory and symbolic interaction theory on the social issue of rising divorce rates. I will show how symbolic interaction can contribute to divorce because people will lack the direct response to the actions of other people. I will also show how the conflict theory interprets the high tensions in a marriage a result from the sociological and economic pressures we face in life.

Conflict theory is the theory that human behavior in social contexts is the result of conflicts between competing groups, as different social groups, be they class-, gender- or race-defined, have unequal power and access to power, yet all groups compete for limited resources. This inevitably gives rise to tension and conflict, albeit often of the subtle variety, as oftentimes the conflicts between groups have been institutionalized in society to such a degree that the conflicts and tensions are such an expected part of society that the conflict, and inequality, itself disappears from public sight, and consciousness. For example, an adherent of a world systems theory of conflict would point to the global competition for resources, particularly the inequality between rich and poor nations struggling to provide the basic necessities of life to their inhabitants, as evidence of global conflict. Conflict theories seek to explain the interactions of groups within society, and assert that social order is preserved involuntarily through the exercise of power one social class holds over another (Lindsey, 2010, 7). The conflict between groups is not always obvious or apparent, so it must be unraveled and examined in order to identify and establish the impact of such conflict on society as a whole, as well as individual members and social groupings.

There exists a struggle between the various groups and classes of society. The struggle for power, prestigue and economics goods gives rise to competition between the various sectors of society. Therefore, what we consider as society is the outcome of this continuous social conflict.

This is a research about conflict which should be considered and resolute during a project. Although, six experts are from different background, there are many sufficient methods to deal with different kind of issues during the working. The great mode has used in the research is Thomas-Kilmann’s conflict mode instrument. (Thomas, K. W., & Kilmann, R. H. ,1974). There are five effective approaches are discussed. Each approaches have its positive and negative effects. Also, there are many problems that each expert should consider about themselves which can devote their effort to help finish the project successfully. Achieving mastery through a comprehensive study of all of these methods can finally bring a huge success to the whole project.