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Social Theories

Conflict Theory

+Definition

An sociological and political theory that explains that POWER forms the basis for sociological organization

not functional interdependence Conflict exists between groups in society

because of inequalities in power Example: Feminism

+Conflict Theory

MACRO theory that explains inequalities.

Most social theories try to explain society and how it works together

Conflict Theory sets out to CRITICIZE society. They question, “Functional for WHOM?!” They argue that functionalism may ‘work’ for society, it

only benefits the higher ranking individuals – and exploits everyone else.

+Conflict Theory Society is divided into groups to divide people according to their

power i.e. class division

Early 1900s Karl Marx

Bourgeoisie: Smallest, richest, most powerful group in society Control the livelihood of the poorer working people; proletariat

Proletariat: The lower class in society, ruled by the Bourgeoisie

Do we see examples of Bourgeoi and Prolats in today’s society?

+Conflict Theory

Marx predicted that the Bourgeoisie would become smaller and smaller, while getting richer and richer. The Prolats would eventually get poorer and bigger,

creating a bigger gap between them

Many people believed that this was just a natural state of society

Marx disagreed. He wanted to eliminate inequalities in society.

What did this lead to?

COMMUNISM!

+Conflict Theory and Family Relationships between men and women within a family

is one of exploitation and oppression, and is used for analyzing power and authority within the family.

Divisions between the sexes in marriage are similar to those divisions between the Bourgeoi and the Prolats

Feminists think similarly

Men work(ed) for the money in the family. Women worked at home for unpaid labour.

Men had all of the power (and money) in the household and the women had no choice but to marry and to have children. Women would have no economic support without men