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PIULA THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Course Code: SO-601

Lecturer: Rev Dr. IOSEFA LEFAOSEU

Task: Group Presentation: Conflict Theory

Names: Tautua Sapati Lio

Salepouae Fatu
Iosefa Ugapo
Faatoese Fiti

Due Date: 22/9/2023

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INTRODUCTION
Conflict theory is one such area in which Karl Marx developed, and one in which his

ideas are still influential to this day. Marx is most known for creating socialism, although his

contributions to the domains of economy, philosophy, and even history are well recognized.

Conflict theory is a sociological perspective that focuses on the inherent inequalities and

struggles within society. It suggests that society is structured around social conflicts and

power imbalances, and views these conflicts as the driving force behind social change.

Though conflict theory may seem abstract at first, its principles can be observed and applied

to everyday life, providing a new lens through which to view social interactions and

dynamics. This essay aims to explore how conflict theory can help us understand and

navigate various aspects of our daily lives. In this paper, we will be talking about:

1. The origin of conflict theory

2. Main assumptions

3. Different Dynamics

4. Modern conflict theory

5. Is conflict theory … appropriate?

6. Conflict Theory and Samoan Family.

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The origin of conflict theory

Conflict theory hinges on what Marx regarded as an inescapable clash between socio-

economic clashes, as he did with so many other aspects of his philosophy. According to

Marx and his supporters, the interests of the wealthy and the less fortunate frequently clash

and combine to form society.1

Conflict theorists contend that the powerful and rich segments of society utilize their

resources to uphold their dominance over the underprivileged groups. Certain groups, such

as the working class, minorities, and women, may become suppressed or oppressed as a

result.

“The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class

struggles. Freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian, lord and serf, guild-
master and journeyman, in a word, oppressor and oppressed, stood in
constant opposition to one another, carried on an uninterrupted, now hidden,
now open fight, a fight that each time ended, either in a revolutionary re-
constitution of society at large, or in the common ruin of the contending
classes.”2

However, these concepts have a lengthy history. Karl Marx's writings, which

were centered on the causes and effects of class conflict between the proletariat

(the working class and the poor) and the bourgeoisie (the capitalists and owners of

the means of production at the time), gave rise to conflict theory.

Marx's analysis of the economic, social, and political consequences of the rise
of capitalism in Europe focused on these issues. According to Marx, this system,
1
Tony Bilton, Introductory Sociology, (London: MACMILLAN PRESS LTD, 1997), 287.
2
Bilton, Introductory Sociology,289.
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which was based on the coexistence of an oppressed majority class (the proletariat)
and a powerful minority class (the bourgeoisie), produced class conflict because the
two groups' interests were at odds and resources were unfairly distributed among
them.3

In the economic sphere, Marx focused on the “mode of production” (e.g., the
industrial factory) and “relations of production” (e.g., unequal power between workers and
factory owners). The bourgeoisie owns and controls the means of production, which leads
to exploitation due to the profit motive. In this arrangement, proletarians have only their
labor to sell, and do not own or control capital. False consciousness is Marx’s term for the
proletarian’s inability to see her real position within the class system, a mis-recognition that
is complicated by the control that the bourgeoisie often exerts over the media outlets that
disseminate and normalize information. These are just some of the structural constrains that
prevent workers from joining together in what Marx called class consciousness, or a
common group identity as exploited proletarians and potential revolutionaries. 4

Through intellectual compulsion that produced consensus and acceptance of

the ideals, expectations, and circumstances set by the bourgeoisie, an uneven social
order was maintained within this system. In other words, the rich tricked the poor
into accepting a deal that was bad for them, using ideological tricks.

According to Marx's theory, the "superstructure" of society, which is made up

of social institutions, political structures, and cultural institutions, is where
consensus-building takes place. The "base," or the economic relations of production,
is what this process produces.5

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS
3
Bilton, Introductory Sociology,289.
4
Bilton, Introductory Sociology,290.
5
Bilton, Introductory Sociology,291.
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Conflict theorists hold that in practically every human connection and contact,
competition in society is a continuous and, at times, an overpowering influence. In essence,
resource conflict shapes every aspect of civilization. 6

As previously said, the lack of resources—including actual resources like money, real
estate, goods, and more—has led to this rivalry. A crisis can occur whenever there is an
imbalance, a change in authority, or something that upsets the delicate balance between
different layers of society.7

Larger organizations, like governments or businesses, try to control or prevent

conflict through redistributing resources and products. According to conflict theory,
progressive taxation, minimum wages, and social assistance are all implemented to lessen
conflict rather than for the wellbeing of the populace.

Beyond competing for physical resources, people and groups in a community also
contend for intangible resources. These can include leisure activities, power dynamics, social
standing, romantic relationships, and a variety of other things. Conflict theorists presuming
that competition rather than cooperation is the default. 8

Given the notion of conflict theorists that conflict arises between social classes, a
revolution is one result of this conflict. According to this theory, group power dynamics do
not alter as a result of adaptation. Instead, it results from a struggle between these groups.
In this approach, rather than being progressive and evolutionary, changes to a power
dynamic are sometimes rapid and broad in scope.9

Conflict theory makes the crucial assumption that power imbalances exist in all social
organizations and interpersonal relationships. As a result, certain people and groups
naturally acquire greater authority and reward than others. Following this, those individuals
and groups that benefit from a particular structure of society tend to work to maintain those
structures so as to retain and enhance their power.

6
Robert Bocock, An Introduction to Sociology, (Glasgow: The Open University Press, 1980), 442.
7
Bocock, An Introduction to Sociology, 444.
8
Bocock, An Introduction to Sociology,445.
9
Bocock, An Introduction to Sociology, 228.
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Conflict theorists frequently believe that conflict may either bring people together or
purge communities. According to conflict theory, war is the outcome of a continuing,
escalating conflict between people, organizations, and whole society. A community may
unite in certain ways during a battle, but there will always be conflict between different
communities. On the other side, a conflict may completely destroy society. 10

Different Dynamics

1. Family Dynamics:

Conflict theory can shed light on the power struggles and inequality that often exist
within family units. For instance, conflicts over financial resources, decision-making, and
division of household chores may stem from inherent power imbalances between family
members. The theory suggests that these conflicts arise due to differing interests and
limited resources, and can be seen as a reflection of broader societal inequalities.
Understanding this dynamic can help families identify and address these conflicts more
effectively, leading to healthier relationships and improved communication. 11

2. Workplace Dynamics:

The workplace is another domain where conflict theory can be applied to understand
power dynamics and the struggle for resources. Hierarchical structures, such as
management vs. employees or unions vs. management, often create conflicts over issues
such as wages, benefits, and working conditions. Conflict theory illuminates how these
conflicts result from the imbalance of power and the pursuit of self-interest by different
groups. By recognizing these dynamics, employees and organizations can work towards
more equitable labor practices and foster a more harmonious work environment. 12

10
Bocock, An Introduction to Sociology, 454.
11
Arlie Russell Hochschild, The second Shift, Working Families and Revolution at Home (London: Dublin
Press, 2003), 156.
12
Hochschild, The second Shift, Working Families and Revolution at Home, 158.
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3. Political Systems:

Conflict theory can provide insights into the political landscape and the structural
inequalities that exist within it. Power struggles, ideological conflicts, and competing
interests are prevalent features of political systems. Through the lens of conflict theory, it
becomes evident that political structures disproportionately favor the interests of the
powerful elite, contributing to inequality. Understanding these power imbalances can
empower individuals to challenge the status quo, demand systemic changes, and advocate
for social justice in the political sphere.13

4. Education:
Conflict theory also offers valuable insights into the dynamics within educational
institutions. Educational inequalities that exist based on socioeconomic status, race, or
gender can be understood as manifestations of power imbalances inherent in the larger
society. Conflict theory emphasizes the role of education in reproducing and perpetuating
social inequalities by providing advantages to the already privileged, thereby maintaining
the status quo. By recognizing these inequalities, educators can develop more inclusive and
equitable curriculum and practices, fostering a more equal educational system. 14
Modern conflict theory

Conflict theory basically states that groups in society are continually competing with
one another for scarce resources. But the more you research it, the less clear and confusing
it all seems to be. Marx's conflict theory has been strengthened, expanded, and improved
upon throughout time by several social theorists, giving rise to what is now known as
contemporary conflict theory. Italian philosopher and activist Antonio Gramsci made the
case that ideology had more sway than Marx had anticipated and that more needed to be

13
Hochschild, The second Shift, Working Families and Revolution at Home, 162.
14
Hochschild, The second Shift, Working Families and Revolution at Home, 163.
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done to challenge cultural hegemony or establish control via common sense in order to
explain why Marx's notion of revolution did not come to pass during his lifetime. 15

Critical thinkers Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno, both of The Frankfurt School,
concentrated on the ways in which the emergence of mass culture—defined as mass-
produced art, music, and media—contributed to the upkeep of cultural hegemony. The
growth of a small "power elite" made up of military, business, and political leaders that has
governed America since the middle of the 20th century was recently described by C. Wright
Mills, who drew on conflict theory. The creator of contemporary conflict theory, C. Wright
Mills, characterized the battle for power between the "elite" and the "others" in his
writings. Government and big businesses are two examples of the "elite" in the US. 16

As a result, while conflict theory was initially used to describe class conflicts
specifically, it has since been applied to research on other types of conflicts, such as those
based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, and nationality, among others,
and how they affect modern social structures and our daily lives. 17

Is conflict theory … appropriate?

Instead of being something that can be explicitly supported or refuted, conflict

theory is more of a lens through which one views society. That does not exclude certain
aspects of it from being correct or incorrect, though. Marx thought that as social tension
increased, so did inequality. That much seems to be true, since several studies demonstrate
how destructive social and economic disparity is to society. According to the hypothesis,
chaos would result if the wealth difference widens too much, and that is essentially what we
are currently witnessing in society. However, there are numerous facts that cannot be
adequately described by this viewpoint alone. Functionalism is a different, equally

15
Gayle Kaufman, Do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues (London: Abingdon Press,
2003), 95.
16
Kaufman, Do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues, 97.
17
Kaufman, Do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues, 98.
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compelling and opposing hypothesis. Conflict theory sees everything in life as a competition,
but functionalism understands society as a system striving for equilibrium. 18

Conflict theory is neither right nor incorrect, that much is certain. To understand
social occurrences, sociologists create hypotheses. These theories frequently operate on a
number of scales, from the macro to the micro – in this example, addressing both the
functioning of society and interpersonal interactions. Overgeneralizing is risky since these
ideas depend on context and are relevant to certain circumstances. Conflict theory, to put it
simply, is not the end-all, be-all of human civilization, but it may be a helpful lens through
which we might observe the world.

The fact that Marx and his work are still so influential to this day is a testament to his
value as a philosopher and an economist. However, Marx also paved the way for socialism
and communism to emerge, with devastating consequences for millions of people. Blindly
believing in such ideas and ignoring just how society really is can led to disaster -- we've seen
that before, let's not see it again.19

Conflict Theory and Blended Family.

Blended families may experience conflict and stress in different ways than traditional

families do. A blended family is one that includes a husband and wife, kids from prior

marriages, and occasionally kids from the new union. When it comes to their non-biological

children, stepparents are frequently given parental authority, and the stepfather may hold

the position of ultimate authority in the household.

Children frequently protest to a stepparent's position and contest the validity of the

stepparents' authority, which can result in power struggles within the family. Different

parenting philosophies between the parents may make this worse. When a stepfather has

18
Kaufman, Do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues, 100.
19
Kaufman, Do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues, 103.
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an authoritarian parenting style that is harsh and demanding and the biological mother has a

permissive parenting style that is characterized by an easygoing disposition without many

repercussions, there may be a lot of tension. Children may develop resentment and quarrel

with a severe stepfather who is suddenly assuming the majority of the authority in the

home. If the stepfather is making a larger financial contribution, the power struggle and

control struggle are also greatly affected.20

The problem for stepparents is how to give equal amounts of love and care to their

biological children, stepchildren, and each other. The children's biological parent could lavish

a lot of love and attention on the new stepparent. Children may experience more stress as a

result and believe that the stepparent is attempting to "take their parent away" from them.

Children, both biological and adopted, may start to vie for their parents' attention, time, and

resources. The new husband and wife can also believe that their spouse is investing more

time and money in their own biological children than in their relationship or in their

stepchildren. Psychologists and counselors are now aware of these particular conflicts. 21

Conclusion

Conflict theory provides a framework to understand and address the inherent power
struggles, inequalities, and conflicts that permeate our daily lives. By examining various
social contexts through the lens of conflict theory, we can gain a deeper understanding of
the underlying dynamics and work towards creating a more equitable and just society. By
recognizing and challenging systemic inequalities, individuals can enact positive change in
their personal lives, their communities, and society as a whole. The society is built on
conflicts.
20
Kaufman, Do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues, 110.
21
Kaufman, Do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues, 111.
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Bibliography
Bilton, T. (1997). Introductory Sociology. London: MACMILLAN PRESS LTD.

Bocock, R. (1980). An Introduction to Sociology. Glasgow: The Open University Press.

Hochschild, A. R. (2003). The Second Shift, Working Families and Revolution at Home. London: Dublin
Press.

Kaufman, G. (2003). do Gender Role Attitudes Matter? Journal of Family Issues, Abingdon Press.