There is much dialogue about the conflict perspective as it relates to sociology. The conflict perspective assumes that social behavior is best understood in terms of tension between groups over power or the allocation of resources such as housing, money, access to services and political representation according to Schaefer, (2011).
The conflict perspective is very much active in today’s society. According to Karl Marx (Schaefer, 2011) conflict theory sees society as a dynamic entity constantly undergoing change as a result of competition over scarce resources.
However this paper will focus on criticism of conflict theory. Conflict theorists find social conflict between any groups in which the potential for inequality exists because of racial, gender, religious, political, economical status. My opinion conflict theorists do not have a solution on how to bring these groups together to form some type of social stability. The theory demonstrates the no one wins because society seems to be oppression some group at some point. That not always true society can share resources and make compromise through negotiations according to Wood, 1983.
For example, today, groups are in a wail over the US having an African America president as commander and chief. Other groups demonstrate their opposition in the political area by creating laws to stop the progress of groups by delaying the right to affordable health insurance. The conflict theory shows having conflicting values and agendas, causing groups to compete against one another however groups can prevail with support rather than opposition. Conflict theory is criticized for its focus on change and neglect of social stability.
The Term Paper on Dominant Group People Social Person
... society and social interaction. symbolic interaction ist perspectives the sociological approach that views society as the sum of the interactions of individuals and groups. theory ... in society. conflict perspectives the sociological approach that views groups in society as engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources. functionalist ...
Some critics acknowledge that societies are in a constant state of change, but point out that much of the change is minor or incremental, not revolutionary. For example, many modern capitalist states have avoided a communist revolution, and have instead instituted elaborate social service programs. Although conflict theorists often focus on social change, they have, yet developed a theory to explain social stability. According to the conflict perspective, inequalities in power and reward are built into all the system.
The one percent or middles class who benefit from any particular structure strives to see it maintained. For example, the wealthy may fight to maintain their privileged access to higher education by opposing measures that would broaden access, such as right for minorities to receive public funding. The stability of social change for all groups can not prevail because the conflict of interest to the higher economic class. The Gay community is a perfect example of a group who strives for equality through many protests and legislation changes.
The challenges Gay community has faced over the 20th century are slow changing. The legalization of same-sex marriage represents an instance where the government abandons its longstanding role of enforcing bias and privilege favoring the elite and powerful, and begins to apply laws and social rules in an equal manner, thereby actively protecting the rights of an oppressed minority over the objections of a class seen as losing the benefit of institutional discrimination, rather than just claiming that all are equal and free when such glittering generalities are simply not true Wood, 1983.
Inclusion , there is relentless uproar in critical theory and practice can be seen as rooted in the realization that twentieth century both have in common an analysis of the discourse of power as it serves in the first case to maintain the privilege of the elite and, in the second, to maintain social relations across a broad spectrum. The principles articulate an orientation that sees critique as a transformative practice rather than as a method. There is a greater understanding of the relationships between the conflict theory and other perspective.
The Dissertation on Environmental Forces Promoting Social Change
Environmental Forces Promoting Social Change Denise Rehana SOC490: Social Science Capstone Instructor: Lynn Lunceford November 29, 2010 Today the ideal illustration was brought to my attention, which left me contemplating upon this inquiry. What environmental forces promote social change? The example unexpectedly came from one of my After School Program femal students, who placed a note in the ...
