Conflict Theory

Overview

• Focuses on societal inequalities.
• Rooted in Karl Marx's ideas from the 19th century.
• Society evolves through stages: Feudalism, Capitalism, and Socialism.

Key Concepts

Capitalist Society in 19th Century Europe

• Society characterized by class divisions:
  • Bourgeoisie: The rich upper class, minority.
  • Proletariat: The poor lower class, majority.
• Power dynamics favored the bourgeoisie despite being the minority.
  • Bourgeoisie owned factories and means of production.
  • Proletariat sold labor, dependent on bourgeoisie for wages.
• Mutual dependence:
  • Factory owners needed labor from proletariat.
  • Owners would not admit this dependency to maintain power.
• Economic inequality was stark.

Marx's Model of Conflict

• Economic inequality spurs societal change.
• Class Consciousness:
  • Proletariat unites recognizing exploitation.
  • Creates strength to challenge the capitalist system.
• Society’s evolution:
  • Thesis: Accepted societal state.
  • Antithesis: Reaction opposing the thesis.
  • Synthesis: Compromise resolving tensions, forms a new thesis.

Cycle of Conflict

• Process repeats with each new synthesis becoming a thesis.
• Potential outcomes:
  • Middle class formation by promoted workers.
  • New tensions between middle class, bourgeoisie, and proletariat.
• Source of antithesis can vary based on societal unrest.

Historical Examples

• WEB Du Bois: Influential in African-American rights.
• Women's Suffrage Movement: Created societal tensions leading to change.

Limitations of Conflict Theory

• Focuses on societal changes rather than stability.
• Does not explain what holds a society together.
• Critical of the status quo.

Conclusion

• Conflict theory is a tool for understanding societal complexities.
• Useful for modeling societal changes but leaves some questions unanswered.