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HOW TO APPLY MAJOR THEORETICAL STRANDS – THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY (UNIT 2): CONFLICTISM OR CONFLICT THEORY

– Vikash Ranjan

Conflict theory, as a sociological framework, examines how society is structured to benefit certain groups at the expense of others, leading to persistent inequalities and conflicts. It is particularly concerned with power dynamics, where dominant groups use their power to maintain their privilege and control over resources, while subordinate groups struggle against this dominance. Here is some examples:

1. Class Conflict (Karl Marx)

• Example: Labor Strikes: In a capitalist society, there is an inherent conflict between the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (workers). Workers may go on strike to demand better wages, working conditions, or benefits. This conflict arises because the interests of the workers (higher wages, job security) are in opposition to the interests of the capitalists (lower costs, higher profits).
• Example: Income Inequality: The significant gap between the wealthy elite and the poor is another example of class conflict. Policies such as tax cuts for the rich or austerity measures disproportionately affect the working class and poor, leading to social unrest and movements like the “Occupy Wall Street” protests.

2. Racial and Ethnic Conflict

• Example: Racial Discrimination and Police Brutality: The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement emerged as a response to systemic racism and police violence against African Americans in the United States. Conflict theory would interpret these issues as a result of power structures that privilege white people over racial minorities, leading to institutionalized racism.
• Example: Immigration Policies: Conflict can also be seen in debates over immigration. Policies that restrict immigration often stem from a desire to maintain the dominance of the native population (often the dominant racial or ethnic group) and can lead to discrimination and xenophobia against immigrants.

3. Gender Conflict (Feminist Theory)

• Example: Gender Pay Gap: Women, on average, earn less than men for the same work. This economic inequality is a form of gender conflict, where patriarchal structures maintain male dominance in the workplace and broader society.
• Example: #MeToo Movement: The #MeToo movement highlighted the widespread issue of sexual harassment and assault, particularly in the workplace. Conflict theory would analyze this as a struggle against patriarchal power structures that enable men to exploit their positions of power to oppress women.

4. Power and Authority (Ralf Dahrendorf, CW Mills Power Elite Theory)

• Example: Authoritarian Regimes: In countries with authoritarian regimes, or Power Elites, power is f dissent and opposition. Citizens who challenge the regime may face imprisonment, violence, or other forms of repression, highlighting the conflict between the ruling elite and the oppressed population.
• Example: Corporate Power: Large corporations wield significant influence over governments, ofteconcentrated in the hands of a few individuals or a ruling party, often leading to the suppression on lobbying for policies that favor their interests, such as tax breaks or deregulation. This creates a conflict between the interests of the corporations and those of the general public, who may suffer from environmental degradation, poor working conditions, or economic inequality as a result.

5. Cultural Conflict

• Example: Religious Conflicts: In societies with diverse religious groups, there may be conflicts over which religion should be dominant or which religious laws should be followed. For instance, in some countries, there are tensions between secular laws and religious laws, leading to conflicts over issues like women’s rights, freedom of expression, and marriage laws.
• Example: Language and Identity Conflicts: In multiethnic or multilingual societies, language can become a source of conflict. For example, in Canada, there has been a long-standing conflict between English-speaking Canadians and French-speaking Quebecers, with the latter group advocating for greater autonomy or even independence to preserve their language and culture.

6. Global Inequality (World-Systems Theory)

• Example: Exploitation of Developing Countries: Conflict theory can be applied to understand the relationship between developed and developing countries. For example, multinational corporations from developed countries often exploit the natural resources and cheap labor of developing countries, leading to economic dependency and underdevelopment. This creates a global conflict where the wealth and power of the core countries are maintained at the expense of the periphery.
• Example: Climate Change and Environmental Conflict: Climate change disproportionately affects poorer countries that contribute the least to global carbon emissions. Wealthy nations, which have historically been the largest polluters, often resist taking responsibility or providing adequate support to those most affected. This creates a global conflict between the Global North and the Global South over environmental justice and resource allocation.

7. Education and Social Inequality

• Example: Access to Education: In many societies, access to quality education is unequal, often reflecting broader social inequalities. Wealthier families can afford private schooling or live in areas with better public schools, while poorer families are often relegated to underfunded and overcrowded schools. This educational inequality perpetuates the class divide, as those with better education have greater access to high-paying jobs and social mobility.
• Example: Curriculum Conflicts: There are often conflicts over what should be taught in schools, reflecting broader societal tensions. For example, debates over the inclusion of critical race theory or LGBTQ+ topics in school curriculums can be seen as a conflict between conservative and progressive forces within society, each trying to influence the next generation’s beliefs and values.

8. Healthcare and Social Inequality

• Example: Access to Healthcare: In societies where healthcare is not universally accessible, there is a conflict between those who can afford high-quality medical care and those who cannot. This leads to health disparities, with the wealthy having better health outcomes and the poor suffering from preventable diseases and lower life expectancy.
• Example: Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical industry often prioritizes profit over public health, leading to conflicts over drug pricing and access to life-saving medications. For instance, during the HIV/AIDS crisis, there was significant conflict over the pricing of antiretroviral drugs, with poorer countries struggling to afford them for their populations.

CONCLUSION:

Conflict theory provides a lens to examine the various ways in which social inequalities and power struggles manifest in society. It highlights how different groups compete for resources and control, often leading to social change when subordinate groups challenge the status quo. Whether it’s class, race, gender, or global inequalities, conflict theory helps explain the dynamics of power, dominance, and resistance in various social contexts.

The End of the Blog : Conflictism or Conflict Theory