Over the past couple weeks we’ve explored numerous different theories and theorists, but so far there has been one recurring name: Karl Marx. Marx undoubtedly holds the position as one of history’s more famous social theorists due to the impact his work has had on the contemporary political world. While a polarizing figure due to his ideas on capitalism and class struggle, it is acknowledged that at the core of his work is the idea of conflict between differing social classes. It appears in all of his ideas, from the four forms of alienation to commodity fetishism, but the idea of conflict itself isn’t unique to him. It’s actually one of the larger perspectives of sociology.
Conflict theory proposes the idea that society is in a constant state of competition for limited resources. It’s this competition that leads to conflict among differing groups, looking at society in a frame that focuses on divisions. It essentially assumes that all societies have some level of differentiation connected to resource inequalities. Rather than thinking of it as one leading to another it’s more of a circle, with resource inequalities and division feeding into the other. Beside this conflict just existing in society, it’s also a catalyst for change. When struggles over resources become more prevalent, power can shift in social structures and institutions and lead to social change.
Now what makes conflict theory a perspective rather than a specific theory (regardless of its name), is the fact that societal division can exist in different ways, and theorists who fall under this umbrella term often have their own specific examples of division. Take Marxist ideology for example, which posits the idea that conflict is created on the basis of social class. Marx identified two groups in relation to the means of production: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. While the bourgeoisie controlled production, the proletariat were those who labored to produce goods. Tying in resource inequality, we see Marx believed that the bourgeoisie had more access to resources and played a direct role in how they were being cultivated and distributed. This was also why Marx believed it was important for the proletariat to gain class consciousness, or an understanding of this system, so they would be able to come together and work to shift the power. Thus, leading to social reform.
As I already said, Marx is a very famous social theorist and thus Marxist Conflict Theory is well known, but it is only one example of what fits under the conflict theory category. Max Weber, known for his identification of three forms of power, agreed with Marx that division was based on class, but agreed that the ability to get away with something (aka power) also played a role in this dynamic. As a result, Weber believed that there were societal divisions that conflict can form. Plus, conflict theory doesn’t need to be based on economic lines. Feminist theory is another well known example of conflict theory, which believes that conflict arises along the lines of gender, set up by the patriarchy to maintain male dominance. While feminist theory itself serves as another umbrella term for many different ideologies and beliefs that account for details about sexuality, class, race, e.t.c that bring more nuance into the discussion, this core idea on gender groups all of it under the conflict theory category as well.
Just considering conflict theory may make it feel vague or too broad. It’s a very basic understanding of how society works, but that’s the beauty of it. As a perspective, think of it as a pair of glasses to put on when thinking about social issues or trends. Anyone can take it and mold it to better fit what they see, and ultimately help us to better understand the larger dynamics at play in society.