Lecture Notes: Conflict Perspective in Sociology

Introduction

• Instructor: Georgia Crawford-Williams
• Subject: CAPE Sociology
• Focus: Conflict Perspective
• Recap: Understanding sociological perspectives as theoretical explanations of society.
  • Four Major Perspectives: Functionalism, Conflict, Interactionism, Feminist

Overview of Conflict Perspective

• Contrasts with Functionalism:
  • Functionalism views society as harmonious and functional.
  • Conflict Perspective sees society as filled with inequalities and conflict.

Key Figure: Karl Marx

• Background:
  • European, viewed himself as an economist, philosopher, and politician, not a sociologist.
  • Author of "The Communist Manifesto."
• Theory:
  • Societies have always been divided into two groups: a small, rich group and a large, poor group.
  • In a capitalist society:
    • Rich: Bourgeoisie
    • Poor: Proletariats

Marxism: A Conflict Theory

• Means of Production:
  • Bourgeoisie owns means of production.
  • Proletariats offer labor.
• Exploitation:
  • Bourgeoisie exploits proletariats by taking majority wealth.
  • Proletariats receive minimal wages.
• False Class Consciousness:
  • Proletariats remain oppressed due to false beliefs taught by institutions (family, education, religion).
  • Religion acts as the "opium of the people," numbing the pain of exploitation.

Historical Perspective on Revolutions

• Historical Exploitation: Exploitation leads to revolution.
• Examples:
  • Slavery to feudalism.
  • Feudalism to capitalism.
  • French Revolution as an example of overthrowing exploitative systems.

Future of Society According to Marx

• Prediction:
  • Proletariats will eventually see through false consciousness.
  • A revolution will end capitalism.
  • Society will evolve to communism, without exploitation or conflict.

Criticisms of Marxism

• Utopian Future: Unrealistic view of communism as a conflict-free system.
• Human Nature: Competitive nature of humans may prevent revolution.
• Persistent Religion: Religion unlikely to disappear.
• Economic Determinism: Overemphasis on economy determining all aspects of society.

Conclusion

• Perspective Summary:
  • Conflict perspective views society as inherently filled with conflict.
  • Marxism is a major but not the sole conflict theory.
  • Marxist theory focuses on class struggle and exploitation but faces significant criticisms.

Important Concepts

• Bourgeoisie & Proletariats: Key terms to remember.
• False Class Consciousness: Central to Marxist theory.
• Communism: Seen as the ultimate, conflict-free societal form.