Conflict Theory
Elite Theory
Traditional Contemporary Conflict Theory
Neoconflict Theory
Radical Sociological Theory
Definition
• “Conflict theories…seek to explain
how the unequal distribution of
resources leads to conflict between
those who possess and control
valuable resources, on the one side,
and those who seek to increase their
share of these resources, on the
other…”
– Turner et al (1998)
Intellectual Underpinnings
• Marx was earliest and most important
– Conflict inevitable in society
• Weber – conflict not always inevitable
– Would depend how bad exploitation was
• Simmel – conflict not necessarily divisive
– Could be beneficial force for social change
Elite Theory
• Developed in Italy
• Important influence on conflict theory
• Most important elite theorists:
– Robert Michels (1876-1936)
– Gaetano Mosca (1858-1941
– Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923)
Main Premise of Elite Theory
• Only a small number of people in any
society will be able to hold power and
authority, and this fact automatically
puts them in opposition with the rest
of society who are subordinate to
them.
Gaetano Mosca
• Politics is the real source of power in
society
• Not economics, as Marx thought
Robert Michels
• “iron law of oligarchy”
• Small groups that gain authority in
society will eventually use that power
to run political parties for their own
ends
Vilfredo Pareto
• “circulation of elites”
• Always a small number of elites who want
to govern society
• When one elite gains political power will
have to contend with other elites who are
struggling to dominate
• “lions” – power becomes crystallized
• “foxes” - waiting to step in
Contemporary Conflict Theory
• Two traditions:
• 1. Weberian - analytical, “scientific” form
– Dahrendorf, Louis Coser, Randall Collins
• 2. Critical
– Concern with critique of society
– C. Wright Mills (radical sociology)
– Marxist and neo-Marxist theory
– Frankfurt School
Dahrendorf
• Idea of “conflict groups”
• Smaller scale than Marx
– not just two classes
• Power struggles rather than violent
revolution
Louis Coser
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Drew on Simmel’s work
“greedy institutions”
Demand total involvement from workers
There is a “web of conflict” (many sources)
Conflict can lead to change and innovation
Randall Collins (1941 - )
Neo-conflict Theory
• Neo-conflict perspective
• Not a functionalist, but adds Durkheim’s
idea that people held together by
emotional and value bonds, not just
interests
• In all societies there are basic goods like
wealth, power, and prestige desired by all
• Therefore, always conflict
Collins (cont.)
• “direct coercion” at heart of conflict
– May use force if necessary
• People have 4 types of resources:
– Material and technical
– Strength, physical attractiveness
– Social networks (# of friends, associations)
– Identity capital (can influence others to your
point of view)
Collins (cont.)
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Resources can be obtained from 3 areas:
1. Occupational area
2. Community realm
3. Political arena
Therefore, many variations can occur
• Collin’s ideas are a refinement of older
conflict theory
C. Wright Mills (1916-1962)
Radical Sociology
• “libertarian socialist”
• Key theme: bureaucracy and alienation in
U.S. society
• “Power elites” – centralization of power
• Stressed relationship between biography
and history
The Sociological Imagination
• “enables its possessor to understand the large
historical scene in terms of its meaning for the
inner life and the external career of a variety of
individuals. It enables him to take into account
how individuals, in the welter of their daily
experience, often become falsely conscious of
their social positions…By such means, the
personal uneasiness of individuals is focused
upon explicit troubles and the indifference of
publics is transformed into involvement with
public issues” (Mills, 1959)
Bureaucracy and Alienation
• Material hardships of past now replaced
by psychological problems
• Stems from alienation
• We are manipulated bureaucracy
• White collar employees make profits off
labour which then give to owners
• Because of bureaucracy, increasingly
fewer people own means of production
Bureaucracy and Alienation (cont.)
• Traditional values undermined (i.e. pride in
one’s work) and loss of self-respect occurs
• Develop low self-esteem and “status
panic”
• Personalities have become commodities
• Turn to meaningless leisure activities and
live fragmented lives
• Society becomes prone to fascist or
totalitarian takeover
The Power Elite (1958)
• Power in hands of a few interconnected
elite groups
• “big three”: the political, military, economic
institutions
• Combination of Marxist and Elite theory
• Saw small property ownership and small
business as safeguard for freedom and
democracy