Understanding Conflict Theory: Explaining Social Inequality

Explore how conflict theory explains societal structures through inequality and resource competition.

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Conflict theory explains social phenomena by arguing that societal structures and relationships are fundamentally shaped by inequality and competition for resources. For instance, it would attribute societal unrest or changes to the struggle between different social classes seeking to gain more power and resources. Economic disparities are seen as the root cause of many social issues, with powerful groups perpetuating their advantage by oppressing less powerful groups.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is conflict theory in sociology? Conflict theory is a social theory that views societal structures and relationships as shaped by inequality and competition for resources.
  2. How does conflict theory explain social change? According to conflict theory, social change arises from the conflicts between different social classes striving for power and resources.
  3. What are the key concepts of conflict theory? Key concepts include social inequality, class struggle, power dynamics, and the impact of wealth on societal relationships.
  4. Can conflict theory be applied to modern society? Yes, conflict theory can be applied to analyze current social issues like economic disparity, labor disputes, and systemic oppression.