Sociology Lecture: Conflict Perspective

Introduction

• Instructor: Georgia Crawford Williams
• Focus: Conflict perspective in sociology
• Recap of previous discussion on sociological perspectives, which attempt to explain why society exists.
  • Sociology is the study of society and its existence.
  • Four major perspectives: Functionalism, Conflict, Interactionism, Feminist.

Functionalism Recap

• Major functionalist: Emile Durkheim
  • Compared society to a human body.
  • Functionalism views society as composed of institutions working together, minimizing conflict.

Conflict Perspective Overview

• Belief: Societies are plagued with inequalities and conflicts.
• Major theory: Marxism

Marxism

• Key Figure: Karl Marx
  • Not a self-identified sociologist; seen as economist and philosopher.
  • Wrote "The Communist Manifesto."
• Theory:
  • Society historically divided into two groups:
    • Small, rich group (bourgeois)
    • Large, poor group (proletariats)
  • Capitalist Society: Bourgeois own means of production; proletariats provide labor.
  • Bourgeois exploit proletariats by profiting off their labor.
  • Profit produced is not shared equitably; proletariats receive minimal wages.

Concepts

• False Class Consciousness:
  • Set of lies justifying oppression, taught by institutions (family, education, religion).
  • Religion is a significant driver, teaching acceptance of oppression.
  • Opium of the people: religion numbs the pain of exploitation.

Historical Context

• Historical exploitation leads to revolutions (e.g., slavery, feudalism with French Revolution).
• Current System: Capitalism
  • Exploitation persists, leading to inevitable conflict and revolution.

Future According to Marx

• Expectation of a proletariat-led revolution.
• Transition to communism, ending exploitation and creating equality.
  • Communism will last forever as all men are equal, eliminating conflict.

Criticisms of Marxism

• Utopian View: Unrealistic expectation of total equality.
• Revolution Feasibility: Proletariats may not unite due to internal competition.
• Religion's Role: Dismissal of religion's persistence is seen as unrealistic.
• Economic Determinism: Overemphasis on the economy’s role in societal structure.

Conclusion

• Marxism provides a perspective on societal conflict and potential transformation through revolution.
• The lecture ends with a discussion on Marxist theory from "The Communist Manifesto."