What is conflict theory?

Conflict theory is a prominent sociological perspective that examines society through the lens of power, inequality, and conflict. It posits that society is characterized by ongoing struggles and conflicts over limited resources, with different groups vying for control and influence. This theory, developed by scholars such as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and W.E.B. Du Bois, highlights the role of power imbalances and social inequalities in shaping various aspects of society.

Aspect	Explanation
Conflict Theory	– Conflict Theory is a sociological perspective that views society as characterized by various forms of inequality and conflict. It emphasizes the role of power, resources, and social structures in shaping social relations and driving social change.
Key Concepts	– Inequality: Conflict theory highlights inequalities in society, including those related to wealth, class, race, gender, and access to resources. It asserts that these inequalities lead to conflicts between different groups or classes.
	– Power Dynamics: The theory emphasizes the significance of power dynamics in society. It suggests that dominant groups or individuals use their power to maintain their status and control over resources, often at the expense of less privileged groups.
Class Struggle	– One of the central ideas of conflict theory is the concept of class struggle. It posits that society is divided into distinct social classes, such as the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers), who engage in conflicts over resources and influence.
Social Change	– Conflict theory contends that societal change often occurs as a result of conflicts between different groups or classes. These conflicts can lead to revolution, social movements, or changes in power dynamics, ultimately shaping the course of history.
Critique of Society	– Conflict theorists often critique existing social structures and institutions, including the economy, education, and political systems, as mechanisms that perpetuate inequality and reinforce the interests of the dominant class.
Application	– Conflict theory has been applied to various areas of sociology, including the analysis of social movements, labor relations, racial and gender inequalities, and the study of power dynamics in society.
Limitations	– Critics argue that conflict theory may oversimplify social phenomena by focusing predominantly on conflict and inequality while overlooking aspects of cooperation, social cohesion, and the role of shared values in society.
Complementary Theories	– Conflict theory is often seen as complementary to other sociological theories, such as structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism, which provide different perspectives on the functioning of society.
Social Activism	– Conflict theory can inspire social activists and advocates for change, as it highlights the need to address social injustices and inequalities. It has played a role in advocating for social reform and equity in various contexts.

Table of Contents

Understanding conflict theory

Conflict theory was developed by German philosopher Karl Marx who studied the causes of conflict between the bourgeois (middle to upper-middle class) and proletariat (the working class and poor) in Europe.

Marx was particularly interested in the political, social, and economic ramifications of increasing capitalism in Europe in the mid-1800s. Since capitalism was premised on the existence of a powerful minority class of wealthy individuals and a relatively oppressed majority class, Marx believed the opportunities for conflict were rife.

Conflict theory is based on the idea that both classes are locked in a perpetual battle over resources that are not distributed evenly across society. Wealthier individuals tend to hoard the resources they possess, while poorer individuals do whatever they can to obtain them. These incompatible interests are the drivers of conflict.

Note that Max believed conflict itself was neither good nor bad and instead, should be considered a natural human tendency that most default to. As a consequence, the theory could be used to explain any social phenomenon such as revolution, war, violence, discrimination, and most other forms of injustice.

Principles of Conflict Theory

Power and Inequality: Conflict theory emphasizes the unequal distribution of power and resources among different social groups.
Social Change: It contends that social change occurs through conflict, as marginalized groups challenge existing power structures.
Dominant and Subordinate Groups: Conflict theorists examine the relationships between dominant groups (those with power) and subordinate groups (those without power).
Critical Perspective: Conflict theory takes a critical perspective on societal issues, questioning established norms and power dynamics.

Advantages of Conflict Theory

Highlighting Inequality: Conflict theory brings attention to social inequalities and the ways in which power imbalances affect individuals and groups.
Social Change Advocacy: It provides a framework for advocating for social change by addressing the root causes of societal problems.
Critical Analysis: Conflict theory encourages critical analysis of societal structures and institutions.
Understanding Social Dynamics: It helps in understanding how conflicts shape social interactions, norms, and institutions.

Challenges of Conflict Theory

Overemphasis on Conflict: Critics argue that conflict theory may overlook the cooperation and stability that exist in society.
Simplification: Some argue that conflict theory simplifies complex social issues by reducing them to power struggles.
Limited Predictive Power: It may not have the same predictive power as other sociological perspectives.
Lack of Prescriptive Solutions: Conflict theory may identify issues but may not provide clear solutions for addressing them.

When to Use Conflict Theory

Social Inequality Analysis: When analyzing and addressing issues related to social inequality and injustice.
Social Movements: In the study of social movements and advocacy for change.
Power Dynamics: To understand how power dynamics influence decisions, policies, and outcomes.
Critique of Institutions: In critiquing existing social, economic, and political institutions.

What to Expect from Using Conflict Theory

Deeper Understanding: Expect a deeper understanding of the power dynamics and inequalities at play in various societal issues.
Advocacy for Change: Conflict theory often leads to advocacy for change and social justice initiatives.
Critical Perspective: Users will develop a critical perspective when analyzing social structures and institutions.
Awareness of Injustice: An increased awareness of societal injustices and their underlying causes.

Long-Term Impact of Conflict Theory

Social Change: Conflict theory has the potential to drive long-term social change by challenging existing power structures.
Advocacy Movements: It contributes to the growth of advocacy movements and initiatives focused on addressing inequalities.
Policy Influence: Over time, conflict theory can influence policies aimed at reducing social disparities.
Expanded Understanding: Users gain a more comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics and power imbalances.

Conflict theory in economics

In an economic context, Marx focused on two factors:

The mode of production – in other words, an industrial factory, and
Relations of production – a term describing the unequal balance of power between factory workers and factory owners.

Since the bourgeoisie owns (and controls) the mode of production, they tend to exploit the proletariat as a way to increase profits. The proletariat has much less power, with only their labor to sell and no access or control over capital.

This causes the common predicament where the proletariat works as little as possible to be paid as much as possible. The bourgeois factory owners, on the other hand, want the proletariat to work as hard as possible for the least amount of pay.

Conflict theory in finance

Governments attempt to manage conflict over financial resources via the reallocation of funds between the rich and the poor. Some common initiatives include a mandated minimum wage, special incentives, favorable tax structures, and social assistance.

The underlying belief behind these measures is that a wealth gap that becomes too wide will cause social unrest to ensue. This may range from a peaceful protest on one end of the spectrum to outright civil war. Advocates of conflict theory believe the government bailouts and Occupy Wall Street movement that occurred during the 2008 GFC is one prime example.

Indeed, competition for limited resources ultimately reached a point where the government needed to intervene to redistribute resources more effectively. Since that time, the divide between the rich and poor has grown once more and there may be similar conflicts in the near future.

Key takeaways

Conflict theory argues that due to competition for limited resources, society is in a perpetual state of conflict. It was developed by German philosopher Karl Marx who studied the class conflict between the wealthy and not-so-wealthy.
In an economic context, conflict theory deals with the interaction between the mode of production and relations of production. Workers attempt to work as little as possible for the maximum amount of pay, while factory owners strive to pay the lowest possible wage while extracting maximum worker productivity.
Governments attempt to manage conflict over financial resources via the reallocation of funds between the rich and the poor. This can be achieved via numerous initiatives or as a response to financial events such as the GFC.

Key Highlights:

Conflict Theory Overview: Conflict theory, developed by Karl Marx, posits that society is in a constant state of conflict due to competition for limited resources. It focuses on the tensions between different classes within a society.
Origin and Focus: Karl Marx developed conflict theory to understand the conflict between the bourgeois (wealthy) and proletariat (working class) in the context of increasing capitalism in Europe during the mid-1800s.
Basis of Conflict: Conflict theory asserts that conflict arises from the unequal distribution of resources in society. The bourgeoisie tend to accumulate resources, while the proletariat struggles to acquire them. This disparity leads to conflict between classes.
Neutral View of Conflict: Marx saw conflict as a natural outcome of societal dynamics, neither inherently good nor bad. It could explain a wide range of social phenomena, including revolutions, violence, discrimination, and injustices.
Economic Context: In economics, conflict theory analyzes the mode of production (industrial settings) and relations of production (power dynamics between workers and owners). Factory owners aim to maximize profits by exploiting workers, who seek to earn more for their labor.
Government Intervention: Governments use policies like minimum wage laws, tax structures, and social assistance programs to manage conflicts arising from wealth inequality. The goal is to prevent severe social unrest caused by a widening wealth gap.
2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) Example: Conflict theory advocates argue that the government bailouts and the Occupy Wall Street movement during the 2008 GFC were responses to conflicts arising from economic inequality.
Ongoing Relevance: Conflict theory remains relevant today, as the wealth gap continues to grow, potentially leading to more conflicts if not addressed.
Key Principles: Conflict theory is rooted in the idea that competition for limited resources drives societal conflict, class struggle is a core aspect of society, and power imbalances play a significant role in shaping social dynamics.
Application Beyond Economics: Conflict theory can be applied to various social contexts beyond economics, such as politics, culture, and institutions. It helps explain power dynamics and conflicts in diverse areas of society.

Related Frameworks	Description	When to Apply
Marxist Theory	– Analyzes society through the lens of class struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (workers). Marxist Theory highlights the role of economic power and exploitation in shaping social relations and conflicts.	– When examining power dynamics and inequalities within society. – Understanding how economic structures and class interests influence social conflicts and power struggles.
Social Identity Theory	– Explores how individuals’ sense of self is shaped by their membership in social groups and how intergroup dynamics contribute to conflict and prejudice. Social Identity Theory emphasizes the importance of social categorization and identity in shaping attitudes and behaviors.	– When studying group dynamics and intergroup relations. – Understanding how social identities influence perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in intergroup contexts, leading to conflicts and prejudices.
Power Dynamics	– Focuses on the distribution and exercise of power in social relationships and institutions, highlighting how power imbalances contribute to conflicts and inequalities. Power Dynamics examines sources of power and strategies for empowerment and resistance.	– When analyzing social interactions, organizations, and institutions. – Recognizing power disparities and their implications for social dynamics, decision-making processes, and opportunities for social change.
Structural Functionalism	– Views society as a complex system composed of interrelated parts that function to maintain social order and stability. Structural Functionalism emphasizes the role of social institutions in regulating behavior and resolving conflicts.	– When examining the functions and dysfunctions of social structures and institutions. – Understanding how social norms, values, and institutions contribute to social cohesion and stability, as well as how they may perpetuate inequalities and conflicts.
Social Conflict Theory	– Proposes that society is characterized by inherent conflicts between different groups with competing interests and values. Social Conflict Theory emphasizes the role of power, inequality, and social change in shaping social conflicts.	– When analyzing social phenomena and interactions from a conflict perspective. – Identifying and addressing underlying tensions, inequalities, and power struggles that contribute to social conflicts and structural injustices.
Symbolic Interactionism	– Focuses on how individuals construct meaning through social interactions and symbols, emphasizing the role of communication, interpretation, and negotiation in shaping social relations. Symbolic Interactionism examines how conflicts arise from divergent interpretations and interactions.	– When studying interpersonal communication and social interactions. – Exploring how symbolic meanings, gestures, and interactions contribute to the negotiation of social roles, identities, and conflicts in everyday life.
Social Exchange Theory	– Analyzes social interactions as exchanges of resources, benefits, and costs, with individuals seeking to maximize rewards and minimize costs. Social Exchange Theory explores how conflicts arise from discrepancies in expectations and reciprocity.	– When examining interpersonal relationships and transactions. – Understanding how conflicts may arise from discrepancies in perceived rewards and costs, and how individuals negotiate and manage conflicts to maintain balance and mutual satisfaction.
Conflict Resolution Approaches	– Encompasses various strategies and techniques for addressing conflicts constructively, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and consensus-building. Conflict Resolution Approaches aim to facilitate communication, understanding, and agreement among conflicting parties.	– When managing interpersonal or group conflicts. – Applying conflict resolution techniques and skills to identify common interests, manage differences, and reach mutually acceptable solutions to conflicts in diverse settings.