Meaning of Conflict Theory
Conflict theory in sociology, developed by Karl Marx, views society as a competition for limited resources, where social structures and institutions reflect power struggles between dominant and subordinate groups.
It emphasizes inequality, focusing on how wealth, power, and status are distributed unequally, leading to tension and change through social conflict.
Conflict theory is also called “Marxism”. Conflict theory developed in the 1960s as a reaction to the weaknesses of functionalism theory which could not address rapid social change during the 1960s and 1970s. Conflict is also a macro-level theoretical perspective.
Conflict theory views society as an arena of perpetual class conflict due to inequality among elements or parts of the society.
This theory focuses on social inequality that arises due to the uneven distribution of resources, status, and power that ultimately divide the society into two conflicting classes (which Marx calls the ‘haves’ or Bourgeoise and ‘have nots’ or proletariats in capitalist society) and the clash (class conflict) between these two classes trigger social change.
So, conflict theorists view class conflict as all engines of social change.
Karl Marx is considered the father of social conflict theory. Marx said that every society existing today has a history of class conflict (class struggle) and it is the conflict that always drives human society to change.
Marx attempted to understand human society in terms of conflict between two social classes; the bourgeoisie who owned the means of economic production (factory or farm owners) and the proletariats who did not (the workers).
The knowledge of this theory has been used to explain varied social problems such as social revolutions, social discrimination, domestic violence, gender issues, etc. Karl Marx, Max Weber, Ralph Dahrendorf Collins, Lewis Coser, etc. are the main contributors to this theory.
Key terms/concepts developed in this conflict perspective include:
- Class Struggle: The contradictory class relations based on ownership of means of production lead to conflict and instability called the class struggle.
- Class consciousness: The realization and understanding of their exploited position by the working class are called class consciousness.
- Conflict: The competition or contradiction that arises between the different social elements (such as social groups, races, ethnic groups, etc.) because of opposite interests or for any reason is known as conflict.
- False consciousness: a person’s beliefs and ideology that conflict with her best interests.
Assumptions of Conflict Theory
The main assumptions of conflict theory are:
Competing Interests and Lack of Equilibrium
Society is made up of groups with conflicting interests, meaning it’s not naturally balanced. Different classes or groups pursue their own goals, creating friction.
This lack of harmony leads to continuous power struggles, which shape social structures and policies over time.
Unequal Distribution of Resources
Resources like wealth, power, and status are unequally distributed among social classes. Dominant groups control more resources, leading to systemic inequalities.
This disparity fuels ongoing tension between privileged and underprivileged groups, driving societal dynamics.
Conflict is universal
Conflict exists in every society, regardless of time or place. It’s an inevitable aspect of human interactions.
From class struggles to cultural clashes, societies naturally face conflicts due to varying interests and values, making it a universal phenomenon.
Society is Dynamic and Ever-Changing
Society is not static but constantly evolving. Social norms, values, and institutions are in a state of flux, influenced by ongoing conflicts.
This dynamic nature of society ensures continuous change and adaptation, driven by power shifts and societal demands.
Conflict Drives Positive Social Change
While conflict may seem destructive, it often leads to progress. Class struggles, for example, can result in fairer laws and social reforms.
Historical movements like civil rights and labor unions show how conflict can push societies toward greater equality and justice.
Conflict is Not Always Violent
Conflict isn’t necessarily expressed through violence; it can be subtle or ideological. Disputes over policies, cultural differences, or power imbalances may remain hidden or be expressed peacefully through debates, protests, or negotiations, influencing social structures without physical confrontation.
Read More: Theories of Social Change
Temporary Suppression of Conflict
Conflict can be managed or suppressed through laws, negotiations, or compromises, but it can’t be permanently eliminated.
Suppressed tensions often resurface in new forms, as societal inequalities and competing interests persist, ensuring that conflict remains a recurring force.
Macro-Level Theoretical Orientation
Conflict theory focuses on large-scale societal structures rather than individual behaviors.
It examines how institutions like governments, economies, and social hierarchies contribute to systemic inequalities, analyzing broad patterns of power and conflict within society at a macro level.
Criticism of Conflict Theory
- Conflict theory is criticized for its concentration only on the negative aspect of the social world i.e. overemphasis on inequality and division and for neglecting the fact of how shared values and interdependence generate unity among members of society.
- Many societies are extremely stable over time rather than changing abruptly as conflict theory would suggest.
- Marx’s vision did not come true. As societies modernized, the working classes became more educated, acquiring specific job skills and achieving the kind of financial well-being that Marx never thought possible.
- Instead of increased exploitation of the working class, they came under the protection of unions and labor laws.
- It has been accused of its weakness of only considering the larger part (macro-parts) of the society thus dwelling on macro-social realities and neglecting micro-level social realities.
- Many schools of thought criticize Marx for involving his emotions rather than a clean mind to study society and how it functions.
Read More: Meaning of Welfare State
Contributors to Conflict Theory
The following are the main contributors to conflict theory.
Karl Marx
The German philosopher and sociologist Karl Marx is the founder of conflict theory. His ‘theory of class conflict’ claims that due to society’s never-ending competition for limited resources, it will always be in a state of conflict.
He focused on the causes and consequences of class conflict between the bourgeoisie (the owners of the means of production and the capitalists) and the proletariat (the working class and the poor).
It means that in every historical period, there are two social classes; the ‘haves’ i.e. oppressor or ruling class, and the ‘have nots’ i.e. oppressed or ruled class which come into conflict that takes the revolutionary form triggering social change with the establishment of communist society (a society where the means of production is communally owned and controlled rather than just by few elites and powerful ones).
Hence, Marx argued that social class is economically determined and this economic inequality is the source of class conflict.
Max Weber
Like Karl Marx, Weber agreed that there is a perpetual conflict between groups in society over limited resources but Unlike Marx, who focused on conflict due to economic inequality among the groups (classes) in society, the German philosopher and sociologist Weber argued that conflict can occur over many aspects of society such as status (social) and party (political).
Weber further suggested that society not only has two classes; the bourgeoisie (i.e. capitalists who are owners of means of production) and proletariats (working-class or poor who sell their labor) but also the rise of the middle class who hold a high position and are not poor.
Read More: Meaning of Religion
Ralf Dahrendorf
Ralf Dahrendorf integrated Marxist and Weberian ideas, proposing that conflict arises not just from economic disparities but from authority relationships.
He introduced the idea of authority positions in organizations, arguing that tension between those in positions of authority and subordinates leads to structural conflict. His work highlighted how societal conflict can result in institutional changes and reforms.
Randall Collins
Randall Collins developed micro-level conflict theory, focusing on daily interactions and how they reflect broader societal conflicts.
He argued that individuals use resources like emotional energy and social capital to compete for dominance.
Collins emphasized the role of power in everyday life, analyzing how small-scale conflicts contribute to larger societal structures.
Lewis Coser
Lewis Coser combined conflict theory with functionalism, suggesting that conflict can strengthen social bonds and contribute to stability.
He argued that controlled conflict within a group helps release tension and maintain cohesion. Coser’s work emphasized that conflict isn’t always destructive and can play a critical role in social integration and adaptation.
Read More: Meaning of Caste System
Functionalism Vs. Conflict Theory
Q. How functionalist perspective differ from the conflict perspective in understanding and explaining society?
Ans: Both functionalism and conflict theory are macro-level approaches to the study and understanding of society.
However, there is a striking difference between these two sociological perspectives (theories).
Differences are:
- The pioneer of functionalism is Emile Durkheim. And, the Pioneer of conflict theory is Karl Marx.
- Functionalists look for stability and consensus. Whereas Conflict theorists are primarily concerned with the kinds of changes in society.
- Functionalism states that each aspect of society serves a function and is necessary for the survival of that society. Whereas the conflict theory states that a society is in perpetual class conflict due to unequal distribution of resources.
- The approach used in functionalism is that all the elements (parts) of the society are interdependent and they serve the function of the stability of the society. Whereas conflict theory focuses on the concept of social inequality in the division of resources, therefore, the conflict that exists between classes will trigger social change.
- The functionalist perspective, because of its focus on stability, is generally seen as more “conservation”. Whereas the conflict perspective is viewed as more “radical” and “activist” because of its emphasis on social change and the need for redistribution of resources to eliminate existing social inequality.
Read Next: Functionalism in Sociology
Sujan Chaudhary holds a BBA degree. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world.